The risk of developing kidney stones supposedly grows higher during the summer. According to doctors, the hot and dry weather, as well as the lack of proper hydration, can trigger its development. The kind of hydration a person drinks also contribute to its formation. So, what must one do to prevent having kidney stones?
When It's Hot And Humid And The Body Lacks Hydration
Urologist Dr. Jorge Gutierrez-Aceves said that many individuals suffer from kidney stones in the summer because they do not drink enough water. What happens is that the body's urinary levels, which is filled with calcium and other minerals, become more concentrated as a result of lack of hydration. Thus, it's harder for the body to pass these deposits out. "This increases the risk for stones," said Gutierrez-Aceves, per WNCN.
Drinking cold and refreshing beverages is one way to get relief during a hot season, with a pitcher of iced tea being one of the more popular choices. However, the doctor warns about this thirst-quenching drink as it can contribute to kidney stones. Iced tea, sodas and other drinks rich in sugar are usually rich in oxalate. Mayo Clinic enumerates that oxalate-rich foods cause kidney stones formation.
Sweet tea linked to kidney stones https://t.co/7HijxNYNeh pic.twitter.com/wXWi1LvKDT
— FOX8 WGHP (@myfox8) June 30, 2016
Preventing Kidney Stones With Proper Hydration And Diet
To prevent kidney stones, experts said that instead of filling up with a glass of iced tea or sweetened drinks, drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water daily. But aside from hydration, it's also best to minimize consumption of animal proteins -- such as chicken, fish and beef -- to at least 12 ounces daily, per The Wall Street Journal. It's also best to consume spinach in moderate levels. These foods are oxalate-rich foods as well.
If you have to enjoy a backyard barbecue with friends and family this summer, then you have to mind what you drink and eat. If you're a stone former, or someone who has experienced having kidney stones before, the likelihood of developing this again is at 50 percent. First-time stone formers usually end up in the emergency room complaining of hard stabbing pains in the stomach that's worst than pregnancy labor.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease has best tips on what diet to have for kidney stone prevention. Learn more about kidney stones in this video below:
