Evidence supporting the use of: Asparagus
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Asparagus has been traditionally used in various cultures as a natural remedy to support kidney health, including the prevention and treatment of kidney stones. Its use is rooted in folk medicine, especially in Europe and Asia, where it has been considered a “diuretic” vegetable that may help flush out the urinary tract and potentially reduce the risk of stone formation. The rationale is that increased urine output can assist in diluting stone-forming substances and aid in their elimination from the body.

However, the scientific evidence supporting asparagus for kidney stones is minimal. While asparagus does contain asparagine, an amino acid reputed to have mild diuretic properties, clinical trials evaluating asparagus specifically for kidney stone prevention or treatment are lacking. Some laboratory studies suggest that certain compounds in asparagus may have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects, but these findings have not translated into direct, robust clinical evidence for kidney stones.

Additionally, asparagus is relatively high in purines, which can increase uric acid levels in predisposed individuals and might theoretically contribute to uric acid stone formation in some cases. Overall, while asparagus continues to have a place in traditional kidney stone remedies, its use is not strongly supported by modern scientific research, and the evidence is rated as low (1 out of 5).

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