Anil Reddy Anil Reddy Asked 10 months ago

Is seltzer bad for kidney stones?

My doctor told me I'm prone to kidney stones, and I need to watch my diet. I like having seltzer water sometimes. Could seltzer be bad for someone like me who needs to prevent kidney stones?

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7 answers

Anil Kumar Anil Kumar Joined Jan 2026 10 months ago
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Hmm, kidney stones can be really painful, and the tests and treatments can get expensive. So, if seltzer might contribute to them, it's probably better to avoid. Better to stick to plain water, it's cheaper and safer, right? Saves money on potential doctor visits too.

Meena Patel Meena Patel Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Oh, kidney stones are the worst! I tried so many home remedies when my husband had them. About seltzer, I've heard that carbonated drinks generally aren't the best for stone formation because of the phosphoric acid in some, or just general acidity. Plain water and lemon water were what helped my husband a lot. Best to stick to what's proven safe.

Priya Singh Priya Singh Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Kidney stones sound super painful, so it's smart to be careful! I think with seltzer, the main concern is usually if it has a lot of artificial stuff, sugar, or acids. If it's just plain sparkling water, it might be okay in moderation for some, but generally, regular water is always the best bet for hydration. Ask your doctor for sure!

Neha Sharma Neha Sharma Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

I used to panic about every little thing after a friend had kidney stones! For seltzer, it's carbonated, which makes people worry, but pure seltzer (just water and bubbles) is generally fine for most people. Some might find it slightly acidic. But if it has added sugar or sodium, then it's a no-go. Don't panic, just check ingredients and maybe ask your urologist.

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Dev Sharma Dev Sharma Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

Look, plain seltzer water is usually just carbonated water, no sugar, no added acids like in sodas. So, compared to soft drinks, it's a much better option for kidney stone sufferers or those at risk. However, excessive consumption of anything carbonated can potentially cause minor issues for some. Hydration with regular water is still king. Consult a nephrologist for tailored advice.

Srinivasan Rao Srinivasan Rao Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

My mother always stressed drinking plenty of water, especially for kidney health. Regarding seltzer, I've heard mixed opinions. While plain seltzer without added sugars or flavors might be okay for some, it's always safer to stick to plain water if you're prone to kidney stones. A doctor's advice on this would be the most reliable, of course.

Rahul Mehta Rahul Mehta Joined Jul 2026 3 months ago

My son had kidney stones once, and the doctor was very clear about what to avoid. Carbonated drinks, including seltzer, are often advised against because they can sometimes alter urine pH or increase certain stone-forming compounds. We made sure he drank plenty of plain water. Be practical and prioritize water intake.

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