Fact Check: Can Drinking Coconut Water With Lemon Juice Dissolve Stones?

A viral Instagram post claims that Drinking Coconut Water With Lemon Juice For Some Days Can Dissolve Stones. This claim is False

Claim

A viral Instagram post claims that Drinking Coconut Water With Lemon Juice For Some Days Can Dissolve Stones. The user virtualknowledgee in the post says, "People would rather die by consuming poison than tell you the remedy for stones." The user further says that the treatment for stones is drinking coconut water mixed with two teaspoons of lemon juice for a few days can help dissolve and pass kidney stones. 

The reel's virality is evident, with 1,437,882 likes, 3,176 comments, and 3.2 million shares. The reel has skyrocketing 107 million views. The reel can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim made by the user that Drinking Coconut Water With Lemon Juice For Some Days Can Dissolve Stones is FALSE. Firstly, The post does not specify the types of stones being discussed, and it is important to note that gallstones can only be removed surgically. Furtherm While there is evidence suggesting that coconut water and lemon juice individually may aid in the prevention and recurrence of kidney stones, there is no scientific evidence for the idea that combining them for some days can dissolve kidney stones.

What types of stones are found in the human body?

Stones, or calculi, in the human body, are hard mineral deposits that can form in various organs. Common types include kidney stones, such as calcium oxalate or uric acid stones, and gallstones, composed of cholesterol or bilirubin. Other types include bladder stones, often linked to incomplete bladder emptying, and salivary gland stones, formed from calcium salts in the salivary ducts. Less common stones include pancreatic stones, associated with chronic pancreatitis, and tonsil stones, which form in the crypts of the tonsils. The composition and location of these stones influence symptoms and treatment options.

The most common types of stones found in the human body are gallstones and kidney stones.

What are Gallstones?

Gallstones, or cholelithiasis, are solid deposits that form within the gallbladder or biliary tract, typically due to an imbalance in the components of bile, a fluid produced by the liver to aid digestion. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, these stones can vary in size from tiny grains to larger masses, often leading to pain and complications if not treated.

Gallstones generally fall into two main categories. The most common type, cholesterol gallstones, form when cholesterol levels in bile become excessively high, causing it to solidify. Pigment gallstones, on the other hand, are primarily composed of bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. These stones are more common in individuals with certain liver conditions or blood disorders, which can elevate bilirubin levels.

How are gallstones treated?

When it comes to treatment, there are both surgical and non-surgical routes available, depending on the patient’s symptoms, the size of the stones, and their location. It is essential to note that removing the gallbladder is a key component in effectively treating gallstones. 

Cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is a common approach, with two main types: laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure, and open cholecystectomy, typically reserved for cases where severe inflammation or infection is present. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a non-surgical route frequently used to remove gallstones lodged in the common bile duct, sparing the gallbladder itself. In rare cases, shock wave lithotripsy—a procedure that uses shock waves to shatter gallstones into smaller fragments—is utilized, often in conjunction with ursodiol to enhance the breakdown process.

Dr. Arun P, Associate Consultant, Gastroenterology, KIMSHEALTH Trivandrum explained, "The best treatment for removing gallstones is surgery, specifically cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder), in patients with symptoms such as abdominal pain. Another option is medical dissolution therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid for patients with uncalcified gallstones smaller than 5 mm. However, this treatment is not very effective and carries a high risk of recurrence."

What are kidney stones?

A kidney stone is a solid, pebble-like mass that can develop in one or both kidneys when mineral levels are elevated. Also referred to as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis, these stones can form from substances such as calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, cystine, struvite, magnesium ammonium phosphate, and uric acid.

Kidney stones are linked to a higher risk of chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal failure, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

What are the treatment strategies for kidney stones?

There are a range of treatment options for kidney stones, offering effective relief from pain and reducing the risk of complications. Shock Wave Lithotripsy employs shock waves to shatter stones into smaller fragments, making it easier for them to pass through the urinary tract. Another method, Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy, involves inserting instruments through the urethra to locate stones in the urethra, bladder, or kidneys, allowing for either removal or fragmentation. For larger stones, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy is frequently recommended; this procedure uses a small incision in the back to insert a nephroscope directly into the kidney, facilitating the stone’s removal, often with laser assistance to break it down further. These minimally invasive approaches provide tailored solutions, aiding quicker recovery and enhancing patient outcomes.

Dr Arun Kumar J, Consultant Nephrologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru said, "Kidney stone treatments vary depending on the stone size, location, and patient symptoms. For smaller stones, increased fluid intake is often recommended to help them pass naturally through urine. Regularly drinking a glass of water every hour can also prevent future stones by reducing the risk of concentrated urine, a common contributor to stone formation. Passing urine at least every two hours is ideal to maintain healthy hydration levels. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort during this process. For larger stones or persistent symptoms, more advanced treatments are available:

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive technique uses sound waves to break stones into smaller fragments that can pass through urine.

Ureteroscopy: A minimally invasive approach where a small scope is used to locate and remove stones or break them up with a laser.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Typically used for larger or more complex stones, PCNL involves a small incision in the back to directly access and remove the stone.

Medication: Certain medications, like alpha-blockers, can relax ureter muscles, making it easier for stones to pass.

In some cases, preventive medications may be prescribed to reduce recurrence risk."

What health benefits does coconut water offer?

Coconut water, the clear, translucent liquid found in the unripe fruits of the Cocos nucifera plant, is celebrated as one of nature’s most refreshing beverages. Known for its ability to quench thirst, coconut water is popular across tropical regions, primarily due to its high potassium content. This natural drink is rich in bioactive enzymes like acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, and peroxidase, which can aid digestion. Additionally, coconut water contains essential nutrients for human health, including sugars, vitamin C, folic acid, free amino acids, auxin, pantothenic acid, and B vitamins (B1, B2, and B6). It also provides key minerals like potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

How does lemon benefit health?

Lemon, scientifically named Citrus limon (L.), is a member of the Rutaceae family, a group of evergreen tree species native to South Asia, especially Northeast India. A peeled lemon provides 17 calories, while an unpeeled one contains 22 calories. Just one tablespoon of lemon juice has 3 calories, and, as noted by “World’s Healthiest Foods,” a quarter cup delivers 31% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, 3% of folate, and 2% of potassium, totaling 13 calories. Renowned for its diverse applications, lemon plays a crucial role in food, medicine, and nutrition, primarily due to its significant medicinal and nutritional properties. Lemon juice aids in weight management and is beneficial for conditions like hypertension. The lemon fruit, along with its juice, leaf oil, citric acid, alkaloids, and various nutrients, is utilized to address issues such as osteoporosis, insomnia, asthma, nausea, vomiting, travel sickness, acne scars, throat infections, scurvy, fever, and pH balance, among other health concerns.

Can Drinking Coconut Water With Lemon Juice For Some Days Dissolve Stones?

The claim in the post does not clarify the types of stones, such as kidney or gallstones. Coconut water and lemon juice, when consumed separately, may contribute to kidney stone prevention. However, there is currently no evidence supporting the combined use of these ingredients for some days can dissolve any type of stones present in the body. It is also important to recognize that gallstones cannot be dissolved in this way and typically require medical intervention for removal. 

Coconut water has long been valued for its hydrating qualities and may also play a potential role in preventing kidney stones. A study conducted by Dr. R. Kalai et. al. identified that coconut water may aid in dissolving kidney stones. The research highlights that coconut water’s potassium content plays a vital role in alkalizing urine, thereby helping prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Similarly, an article published in The Natural Beverages reported that coconut water can help prevent kidney stones by reducing crystal and stone formation.

Lemon juice has gained attention for its potential benefits in preventing kidney stones and their reoccurrence. Piero Ruggenenti et. al.'s Explorative analyses suggest that adding fresh lemon juice to a standard diet may help prevent the reoccurrence of kidney stones in patients with calcium-oxalate kidney stones.

Likewise, Research published in Nutrients found that lemon juice has a protective effect against kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate levels, though it does not significantly alkalize urine pH.

The post lacks details on stone types, and though coconut water and lemon juice individually may help prevent kidney stones, there’s no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that Drinking Coconut Water With Lemon Juice For Some Days Can Dissolve Stones.

Responding to the claim Dr. Arun P, Associate Consultant, Gastroenterology, KIMSHEALTH Trivandrum said, "There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that drinking coconut water with two spoons of lemon juice for several days can dissolve gallstones. Gallbladder stones cannot dissolve so it is unlikely that this remedy would be effective."

Dr Arun Kumar J, Consultant Nephrologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru spoke to our team and said, "While coconut water and lemon juice are popularly believed to benefit kidney health, there is no proven benefit to using them specifically for dissolving kidney stones. Coconut water may support natural stone passage by helping with hydration, and lemon juice provides citrate, which can inhibit the formation of certain stone types. However, effective treatment requires proper evaluation of the stone’s cause and type, tailored to each patient’s needs, to prevent recurrence and manage symptoms. Always consult a nephrologist for the most effective treatment options based on your condition."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The post containing the claim does not specify the type of stones being addressed. Although coconut water and lemon juice may each contribute to kidney stone prevention, there is no evidence supporting their combined effectiveness for the purpose of dissolution of kidney stones. It is also important to note that gallstones cannot be dissolved and typically require medical treatment. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that Drinking Coconut Water With Lemon Juice For Some Days Can Dissolve Stones.

Hence, the claim mentioned in the viral video is False.