There are almost seven million people in the country who suffer from kidney stones. SHIBAJI ROYCHOUDHURY speaks with doctors who say that the problem increases during summer months but with requisite fluid intake, diet and regular exercise, the problem can be addressed
In summers, dehydration is a major concern. People often forget to drink two to three litres of water a day. This leads to saturation and results in kindey stones. They are one of the most common causes of hospitalisation in the country with 5 to 7 million patients suffering from kidney stone. Out of these, one out of every thousand need hospitalisation. But what most people don’t realise is the fact that with the soaring temperatures in the city, the chances of contracting kidney diseases increase exponentially.
Doctors say that the rise in temperature and humidity are important factors that in turn lead to an increase in the chances of kidney stones being formed. “People who work in a hot climate and in a profession that exposes them to the heat are automatically more suspect to kidney stones since their work routine doesn’t allow for enough water retention in their body,” says Dr Bhim Sen Bansal, director, RG Stone Nursing Home.
People who move into a warmer climate have to be especially careful about their diet and water intake to ensure that the sudden change in climatic conditions doesn’t lead to stone formation. Doctors said that the formation of kidney stones is especially high in cities where the climate is hot and dry. “There are a lot of people who migrate from a colder terrain to a hotter one. They often end up suffering from stones since they aren’t used to consuming the adequate amount of fluids as they are suppose to in their new habitat. They continue with the same amount as they did in the place they came from. Formation of stones is eminent,” Dr Bhim tells you.
low intake of fluids alongside a high intake of animal protein, sodium and refined sugars is touted by doctors as the cause. This, increases in the sweltering summer months with many people failing to drink enough water or inadvertently quenching their thirst with fluids like cola or cold coffee, that lead to more dehydration. This water loss over a period of time leads to higher concentration of urine, which can in turn lead to kidney stones.
“It is extremely important to keep the body hydrated throughout the day and to especially drink water before and after the night. Drinking lemonade, while cutting down on products that can lead to formation of calcium, is also helpful. Foods containing oxalate like soda, iced tea, chocolate, rhubarb, strawberries, nuts are to be avoided since they can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones,” Dr Arun Prasad, senior consultant, Apollo Hospital says.
Changes in diet to match the change in weather are essential alongside an active attempt to keep the body hydrated, especially after long periods in the sun. “Salads and leafy greens help in maintaining the coolness levels while also hydrating your body. The same goes for alcohol intake” Dr Prasad says.