Does Drinking Boiled Hard Water Cause Bladder Stones?

Drinking boiled water that contains scale does not directly cause bladder stones. However, the presence of minerals in hard water can contribute to the formation of urinary stones in some individuals, especially if they are predisposed to stone formation. It is important to maintain proper hydration and consult a healthcare professional if there are concerns about urinary health?

Hello, doctor.
Will drinking boiled water that has scale lead to bladder stones? What is scale? What is the thin film that appears on the surface of the water after boiling? If someone has stones, should they drink purified water? Thank you.

Hei Niu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/06/01

Dr. Song Zhixian reply Urology

Bladder stones account for approximately 57% of urinary tract stones.
They can arise from foreign bodies in the bladder (such as surgical sutures or self-inserted objects by psychiatric patients or due to masturbation), obstruction (such as benign prostatic hyperplasia in men or spinal cord injuries), and infections.
Kidney stones can also enter the bladder and become bladder stones.

Your question may be whether urinary tract stones are related to water quality.
The hardness of water depends on its calcium and magnesium content.
Some literature reports that soft water may actually promote stone formation, while other studies suggest that there is no direct correlation between water hardness and stone formation.
Most stones are calcium oxalate stones.
High oxalate levels and urine composition also contribute to stone formation; sometimes, drinking water with high calcium content can reduce oxalate levels in urine, thereby decreasing the formation of oxalate stones.

The causes of urinary tract stones are numerous and should be addressed based on the individual patient's stone composition and body constitution, leading to different preventive measures.
Generally, there is a clear relationship between urinary tract stone prevention and water intake.
Maintaining a urine output of over 2000 cc by drinking sufficient water can help prevent the recurrence and formation of stones.

Reply Date: 2002/06/01

More Info

Drinking boiled hard water, which often contains mineral deposits or "water scale," does not directly cause bladder stones. Bladder stones, a type of urinary tract stone, typically form due to a variety of factors, including urinary obstruction, infection, and the presence of foreign bodies in the bladder. The relationship between water quality and the formation of bladder stones is complex and not fully understood.

Water scale, or limescale, is primarily composed of calcium carbonate and other minerals such as magnesium and silica. When water is boiled, these minerals can precipitate out of the water, leading to the formation of a white, chalky residue at the bottom of the pot or a thin film on the surface. This residue is not harmful in small amounts, but it can indicate that the water is "hard," meaning it has a high mineral content.

The connection between hard water and bladder stones is not straightforward. Some studies suggest that drinking hard water, which is rich in calcium and magnesium, may actually help reduce the risk of certain types of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, by diluting urinary oxalate levels. However, other research indicates that soft water may be associated with a higher risk of stone formation. The key takeaway is that the mineral content of the water you drink is just one of many factors that can influence stone formation.

For individuals who have a history of bladder stones, it is crucial to maintain adequate hydration. Drinking enough fluids helps dilute the urine, reducing the concentration of stone-forming substances. The general recommendation is to aim for at least 2 liters (about 8 cups) of fluid intake per day, which can help prevent the formation of new stones.

Regarding the question of whether individuals with a history of bladder stones should drink pure water, it is essential to consider the overall diet and lifestyle. While drinking distilled or reverse osmosis water can reduce mineral intake, it is also important to obtain necessary minerals from food sources. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide essential nutrients that may help prevent stone formation.

In summary, while drinking boiled hard water does not directly cause bladder stones, it is essential to stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. If you have a history of bladder stones, consulting with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian can help tailor a hydration and dietary plan that suits your individual needs. This approach will help manage your risk of stone formation while ensuring you receive adequate nutrition.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Urinary Issues: Symptoms of Inflammation or Stones?

Hello Doctor: I drink about 1000cc of water daily and I usually enjoy drinking beverages with strong flavors (salty, spicy, sour). After urination, I often experience discomfort in my urethra (similar to a burning or stinging sensation), which requires me to rinse immediately and...

Dr. Chen Xiuyi reply Urology
Hello: Based on what you described, a urinary tract infection cannot be ruled out. It is best to seek medical attention and have your urine tested. When there is an infection, it is not advisable to consume overly spicy foods. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Hsiu-Yi, Urologist.

Understanding Bladder Stones: Myths, Remedies, and Dietary Tips

Dr. Hou: Hello! My husband had an X-ray and it was unexpectedly found that he has a small bladder stone. The doctor said it’s not serious and that we don’t need to worry about it, but I’m still a bit concerned. I would like to ask you: (1) Is there a folk remedy called "foss...

Dr. Hou Yuchang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello! 1. Bladder stones that are discovered incidentally and are asymptomatic can usually be passed through urine without special attention. 2. In traditional medicine, there are two types of "Hua Shi Cao" (Stone Grass); the commonly referred "Cat Whiskers" i...

Managing Kidney Stone Aftercare: Water Intake and Urine Color Insights

Hello, I previously passed a stone measuring 0.7 x 0.5 cm, and I felt discomfort and bloating for about half a month before it was expelled. After that, my condition improved, but occasionally I experience slight sharp pain in the area just above my lower back and groin, which ha...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: 1) What you mentioned is possible; there may still be small stones, and you should continue to seek medical attention. 2) Limit the intake of beverages; consume coffee, tea, and cola in moderation, with plain water as the main drink. 3) If you don't sweat much, your h...

Tea vs. Water: Impact on Kidney Health and Stone Formation

When I move my stomach, I feel a bit of pain around the outer area. Today, I went to see a doctor, and an ultrasound revealed small white spots on my kidneys. The doctor performed a urinalysis, which showed no blood in the urine but indicated a mild infection. The doctor advised ...

Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology
Ultrasound is only a preliminary examination; the small white spots are not necessarily stones, but it is advisable to continue monitoring and follow-up tests. For those with kidney stones, we always recommend drinking plenty of water. Juice is also acceptable, and tea can be con...