The Best Thirst Quencher?

On a stifling hot summer day, there isn't much that can be as good as a cool refreshing drink. It does the body good. You sweat as a result of the heat and even more if engaging in rigorous physical activity. A cool beverage makes the experience all the more worth while. Some beverages appear to be better than others.
In consideration of health risks associated with alcohol and sugary carbonated drinks, many individuals have turned to ice tea over the years to quench their thirst. It appeared to have less sugar than sodas and didn't seem to carry the dehydrating and intoxicating effects of alcohol. However, it has recently been discovered that ice tea is accompanied by a different kind of concern. It would appear that the consumption of this refreshing beverage is leading to increased incidents of kidney stones.

Iced tea contains high concentrations of a chemical called oxalate. This chemical is a key ingredient in the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones is a disorder of the urinary tract that affects about ten per cent of the population. For people who are more inclined to develop the condition, it turns out that drinking iced tea is one of the worst things you can do.

So what exactly are kidney stones? Kidney stones are crystals that form in the kidneys or ureters. Those are the small tubes that drain the urine from the kidney to the bladder. This is a condition that seems to attack men as they are four times more likely than women to develop stones and the likelihood of the condition increases with age.

By decreasing the amount of fluids one might choose to intake, one increases the likelihood of developing the stones. They would appear to be directly linked to dehydration. The thing to be weary of, is that during particular times of the year, particular in the summer, when people are more inclined to sweat and lose fluids, the intake of iced tea actually increases the likelihood of creation of the stones.

People tend to drink more liquids during hot months in an attempt to keep themselves hydrated. The consumption of iced tea, though temporarily quenching a thirst and albeit a tasty choice, is actually doing more damage than they realize.

All is not lost on those looking for healthy and tasty thirst quenchers. As it turns out, if you must have your iced tea fix, adding slices of lemon to your drink is a great idea. Lemons are high in citrates, which inhibit the growth of kidney stones. A great and delicious alternative is real lemonade, rich in citrates.
Of course the best alternative is water. Adding a slice of lemon will add some taste and make for an extremely healthy choice when looking to quench a seemingly unforgiving thirst.

If you are concerned about developing kidney stones, try cutting back on eating foods that contain high concentrations of oxalates like spinach, chocolate, rhubarb and nuts. I know what you are thinking. How are you ever going to be able to give up your chocolate covered spinach? I know. Some decisions are harder than others but I know you will make it. Do your best to keep yourself hydrated and keep your calcium intake high as it seems to reduce the amount of oxalate the body is able to absorb.

That's all for now. Keep healthy and have fun.