Fact Check: Can bay leaves water with apple cider vinegar eliminate gall stones and kidney stones in 3 days?
An Instagram reel claims that bay leaves water with apple cider vinegar eliminates gall stones and kidney stones in 3 days. The claim by the user is FALSE.
Claim
In an Instagram reel it is claimed that bay leaves water with apple cider vinegar eliminates gall stones and kidney stones in 3 days. THe reel by the user fit_fusion_forum is captioned as, "Kidney and Gallstones Remover Remedy!🌱" In the reel the user says, "Bay water with apple cider vinegar to eliminate stones in the gallbladder and kidneys. It is the perfect treatment to avoid risky surgical interventions, 100% effective with positive results in the first three days of use. If you suffer from kidney or gallbladder stones and they cause you discomfort this remedy is ideal for you. You only need to add in a container 4 to 6 previously washed bay leaves, half a cup of apple cider vinegar and half a liter of water mix well, and let's stand in the refrigerator for at least one hour which is Enough time for the bay leaves to release all its properties. It is important to remember that we recommend taking half a cup of this preparation twice a day one on an empty stomach in the morning and another at night before going to bed. This remedy will help to eliminate stones in the gallbladder and kidneys."
The reel, which has garnered 1,164 likes, 53 comments, and 1,139 shares, can be viewed here.
Fact Check
The claim by the user is FALSE. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim by the user that bay leaves water with apple cider vinegar eliminates gallstones and kidney stones in 3 days.
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.
Dr. Harshvardhan Chaukulkar, Department of Minimal Access and General Surgery, Ruby Hall Clinic explained, "Gallstones are small, solid particles that form in the gallbladder, a small organ that lies below the liver, whose function is to store and release bile. Bile is digestively helpful when breaking down fats. Most of the time, the size and composition of gallstones vary, but they usually occur due to an imbalance within the substances of bile, which includes cholesterol, bile salts, and bilirubin.
Types of gallstones:
Cholesterol gallstones: Made mostly of cholesterol and are the most common type.
Pigment gallstones: Made of bilirubin and are more common in people with liver disease or certain blood disorders.
Symptoms of gallstones:
Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen or center of the stomach.
Nausea or vomiting.
Pain in the right shoulder or back.
Digestive issues like bloating or indigestion.
Some gallstones may not cause symptoms (asymptomatic gallstones) and do not require treatment."
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
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 also linked to a higher risk of chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal failure, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Dr. Shashank M S, Consultant - Urology and Renal transplant, Aster CMI Bangalore explained, "Kidney stones are solid deposits of minerals and salts that develop in the kidneys, typically due to a combination of factors including insufficient hydration, dietary habits, and specific health conditions. These stones can vary in size and may lead to considerable discomfort as they traverse the urinary tract. The methods for removing kidney stones depend on their size and location. Smaller stones may be eliminated naturally through increased fluid intake and pain relief measures, whereas larger stones might necessitate medical procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which employs sound waves to fragment the stones, or surgical techniques like ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy, which involve the direct extraction of the stones from the urinary system. Additional considerations may include metabolic assessments, minimally invasive treatments, and advanced laser technologies."
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.
What are the Nutritional Benefits of Bay Leaves?
Bay leaf is utilized in food for flavoring, as an essential oil, and in traditional medicine. It contains tannins, flavones, flavonoids, alkaloids, eugenol, linalool, methyl chavicol, and anthocyanins. Bay leaves possess wound-healing, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, immunostimulant, antifungal, and anti-convulsant properties.
What are the Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar (ACV), or cider vinegar, is derived from fermented juice from crushed apples, resulting in a pale to medium amber liquid. ACV retains some nutrients found in apples, including pectin, B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin C. Research suggests that ACV may offer several health benefits, particularly for individuals with diabetes, as it has been shown to significantly reduce hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels, lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. ACV has been linked to a decrease in triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. Nutrient-rich, especially in unfiltered and organic forms, ACV contains acetic acid, pectin, potassium, and calcium, which contribute to its potential health benefits. These include helping to regulate blood sugar levels, promoting weight loss, improving cardiovascular health, balancing body pH, and aiding in detoxification.
Can bay leaves water with apple cider vinegar eliminate gall stones and kidney stones in 3 days?
No, bay leaves water with apple cider vinegar cannot eliminate gallstones and kidney stones in 3 days. While both bay leaves and apple cider vinegar offer general health benefits, and apple cider vinegar may aid in managing the condition, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that this remedy can eliminate gallstones and kidney stones in 3 days.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases noted that eating a high-fiber diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, and oats while limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates can lower the risk of developing gallstones. Additionally, consuming healthy fats like fish oil and olive oil promotes regular contraction and emptying of the gallbladder, which further helps in preventing gallstone formation.
The study conducted by Ferraro et.al published in the Journal of American Family Physicians showed that increasing fluid intake to 2.5 to 3 L per day and decreasing the intake of carbonated drinks especially those acidified with phosphoric acid can prevent recurrent kidney stones. It was also found that consumption of high fiber and vegetables with normal content of calcium (1.0 to 1.2g per day) helps prevent stone occurrence. Intake of limited sodium (4 to 5 g per day) and animal protein (0.8 to 1.0 g per kg per day) also helps to prevent stone occurrence.
While there is no evidence to support the use of bay leaves in managing kidney stones or gallstones, research suggests that apple cider vinegar may offer potential benefits. A recent study by Karunakar Hegde et. al. highlights the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in addressing kidney stones, presenting it as a promising natural remedy for this common condition.
Hence, no credible research or clinical study is proving that this remedy can dissolve or eliminate gallstones or kidney stones, let alone in such a short time.
The Medical Dialogues Fact Check team spoke with Dr. Harshvardhan Chaukulkar, Department of Minimal Access and General Surgery, Ruby Hall Clinic and he explained, "No, there is no scientific evidence that bay water with apple cider vinegar can dissolve or remove gallstones in three days. Apple cider vinegar is sometimes touted as a natural remedy, but it has no proven efficacy in treating gallstones. The composition of gallstones, especially cholesterol stones, requires specific treatments such as medication or surgery for effective removal. Gallstones are hard deposits that don’t dissolve easily. Natural remedies cannot address large stones or those causing complications like infection or blockages. If you feel you have gallstones, it is best to consult your physician when you are experiencing severe pain or other symptoms. Receiving an accurate diagnosis and thus proper treatment can avoid serious complications, such as inflammation, infection, or damage to the gallbladder or bile ducts, from waiting any longer to seek medical attention."
Dr Shashank M S, Consultant - Urology and Renal transplant, Aster CMI Bangalore further explained, "The question arises whether the combination of bay water and apple cider vinegar can effectively dissolve kidney stones within a span of three days. This inquiry reflects a growing interest in natural remedies for managing kidney stones, which are often painful and can lead to significant health complications. While some anecdotal evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar may aid in breaking down certain types of stones due to its acidic properties, the efficacy of such a remedy, particularly when combined with bay water, remains largely unverified by scientific research. Therefore, it is essential to approach this topic with caution and to consider consulting a healthcare professional for evidence-based treatment options."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
The claim that bay leaves water with apple cider vinegar can eliminate gallstones and kidney stones in three days is false. While both bay leaves and apple cider vinegar have general health benefits, and apple cider vinegar may help manage the condition, no scientific evidence or medical consensus supports their ability to eliminate gallstones or kidney stones.
Hence, the claim by the user is FALSE.
