Cannabis use may lower risk of Kidney Stones
Researchers in China recently examined the relationship between kidney stone rates among male cannabis users versus nonusers. The study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that cannabis users "were inversely associated with kidney stones."
Kidney stones are deposits of complex minerals and salt that form in the kidneys and may pass through the urinary tract. Passing kidney stones is incredibly painful. However, stones typically cause no permanent damage if recognised and dealt with appropriately.
Kidney stones often develop in males rather than females. Risk factors aside from gender include genetics, diet, dehydration, exercise frequency and digestive diseases.
Chinese researchers assessed a sample of more than 14,000 U.S. subjects between 20 and 59 with kidney stone and cannabis use data collected from self-submitted questionnaires.
"The findings suggested that cannabis use was inversely associated with kidney stones in males. We also found that regular cannabis use indicated a negative relationship with kidney stones in males. However, no such differences were found in the overall and female populations."
The study believes that the diuretic effects of cannabinoids may help reduce build-up and shorten the time that the crystal remains in the kidney. This decreases the risk of kidney stone formation. Additionally, CBD, another main component of cannabis and a dominant cannabinoid is believed to assist by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
" It is speculated that cannabidiol has natural advantages in attenuating inflammatory responses and reducing oxidative stress".
Although more in-depth study is needed, the findings indicated that regular male cannabis users had a lower risk of kidney stones. This study defines regular use as indulging one to six times a week.
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Liz Filmer
