Kidney Stones More Common Than Ever Due to Modern Lifestyles; Expert Shares 3 Sure-Shot Hacks

Kidney stones were once considered a problem that only affected a few but now they are have become one of the primary health issues in all the age groups. From youngters to middle-aged  and even the elderly are getting kidney stones and according to experts, modern lifestyle is the major cause of the problem, and hence the uptick in cases continues.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that over the last few decades, the prevalence of kidney stones has been steadily increasing worldwide. The researchers identify unhealthy eating habits, increased salt consumption, less physical activity, and not drinking enough water as the main factors responsible for this issue. In simple terms, our diet and low water intake are putting significant stress on our kidneys.

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, explained that kidney stones are now a very common disease. “Based on a recent study, the increase in kidney stones cases is mostly due to lifestyle habits like consuming too much sodium and drinking little or no water,” he said. Read ahead to know everything he shared with us.

Role of Modern Lifestyles on Kidney Health

The rushed lifestyle of today has introduced a wide variety of food habits including consumption of processed foods, packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and irregular hydration. The majority of the people work at desks for long hours and they do not pay attention to thirst signals or sometimes they even ignore them and drink other beverages like tea, coffee, or soft drink instead of water. 

ALSO READ- Why Repeated Kidney Stones Are a Warning Sign, Not a One-Time Problem, Experts Decode the Pattern

The study revealed that these patterns reduce urine output and increase the concentration of stone-forming minerals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid.

Dr Tayal added, “As we eat more processed foods and drink less water, our kidneys are suffering. When kidneys get overwhelmed by excess minerals, they are unable to efficiently flush them out, resulting in crystallisation and eventually stone formation.”

3 Sure-Shot Hacks to Prevent Kidney Stones

The good news is that kidney stones are preventable with valiant and consistent lifestyle changes. Dr Tayal shared with us three hacks that are not only effective but also practical to reduce the risk of kidney stones significantly.

Hack 1: Hydration Is Non-Negotiable

According to Dr Tayal, hydration is the most powerful defence against kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps dilute stone-forming substances in the urine and prevents them from sticking together.

He advised, “Drink enough water so that you urinate water that is clear or light-coloured. Proper hydration dilutes stone-forming minerals and is the most effective prevention step. For most people, this is approximately 2.5 to three litres of fluids daily, more if you sweat excessively or live in a hot climate.

Hack 2: Cut Down on Salt

High sodium intake is an unnoticed but considerable risk factor for kidney stones. The consequence of consuming too much salt leads to higher calcium loss through urine, hence, raising the chances of calcium stone formation.

Dr Tayal strongly recommended people to cut back on processed foods, pickles, instant meals, and dining out. “Do not add more salt to food than what is necessary and read the food labels very carefully. Eating fresh, homemade meals regularly can help your kidneys a lot,” he said.

ALSO READ- Scientists Have Found A Way To Reverse Kidney Damage – Expert Decodes What It Means

Hack 3: Balance Your Diet

Eliminating calcium is not the solution. On the contrary, getting an appropriate amount of dietary calcium binds the oxalates in the gut, thus lowering the risk of stones.

Dr Tayal suggested a dietary pattern that comprises sufficient calcium through natural foods, restricted animal protein, and no consumption of sugary drinks in excess. A balanced diet not only prevents kidney problems but promotes overall metabolic health too.

Bottomline

Kidney stones are on the rise due to dehydration, high salt intake, and poor dietary choices, but experts recommend that staying hydrated, cutting back on sodium, and maintaining a balanced diet can significantly reduce the risk. 

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]