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When summer arrives, the weather becomes hot, and all kinds of discomforts in the human body follow. Especially kidney stones, which are annoying guys, are often painful. As we all know, once a kidney stone attacks, the pain is not a joke. Why is there a high incidence of kidney stones in summer? How can we avoid this pain? Let's talk about it in detail today.
Causes of the high incidence of kidney stones in summer
You may not have noticed that the high summer heat is one of the main culprits of kidney stones. Why? Because high temperatures can cause the body to sweat profusely, the urine is concentrated, and minerals are more likely to precipitate and form stones.
Studies have shown that the incidence of kidney stones increases significantly whenever the temperature rises. This is no joke, according to a study in the United States, in five large cities, there was a significant association between temperature and the clinical manifestations of kidney stones.
In addition to high temperatures, insufficient water intake is also one of the important reasons for the high incidence of kidney stones in summer. In summer, people are more active, but often forget to replenish water in time, and urine output decreases, increasing the risk of stones.
There are also problems with eating habits in summer, such as barbecue and cold drinks, which are high in sugar, salt and protein, will increase the probability of kidney stones.
The main symptoms and methods of diagnosis of kidney stones
The symptoms of kidney stones are very pronounced, and there is usually severe abdominal or lower back pain that starts in the lower back and gradually spreads to the abdomen and inner thighs. This kind of pain is not ordinary pain, but the kind of pain that makes people feel unbearable. Symptoms such as hematuria, nausea and vomiting, frequent urination and urgency may also occur. If you have these symptoms, don't delay and go to the hospital for a check-up.
To confirm the diagnosis of kidney stones, imaging tests are indispensable. Ultrasound and CT scans are the most commonly used examination methods, especially CT scans, which have a very high accuracy in detecting small stones and urinary tract stones, and are the preferred methods for the emergency evaluation of patients with renal colic.
Increase water intake
Staying away from kidney stones is the easiest but most effective way to stay hydrated. Drink at least 2.5 to 3 litres of water a day and make sure your urine output is adequate so that you can dilute the minerals in your urine and prevent them from forming stones. Many people find it difficult to drink so much water every day, but in fact, as long as you make a habit and drink it multiple times, it is easy to achieve.
The choice of drink is also important. High-sugar drinks can increase the risk of stones, so it is recommended to drink more low-sugar drinks such as water and lemonade. The citric acid in lemonade inhibits the formation of stones, making it healthy and delicious.
Adjust your diet
Diet also has a big impact on preventing kidney stones. Foods high in oxalate such as spinach, beets, nuts, etc., should be eaten sparingly, as these foods will increase the concentration of oxalic acid in the urine and promote the formation of stones. It is also important to consume calcium in moderation, as obtaining calcium through diet rather than relying on supplements can reduce oxalate absorption and reduce the risk of stones.
A diet high in salt and protein is also a risk factor for kidney stones. Excessive intake of salt and animal protein can increase urinary calcium excretion and promote stone formation. Minimize salt and animal protein intake, and eat more fiber-rich vegetables and fruits.
Control your weight and keep moving
Obesity and overweight are also important risk factors for kidney stones. The risk of developing stones can be effectively reduced by controlling weight. Studies have shown that losing weight not only reduces the formation of stones, but also further reduces the risk by increasing the excretion of citric acid in the urine.
Proper exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight, but also promotes urine excretion and reduces the likelihood of stone formation. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as walking, swimming, etc.
Pay attention to the details of life
In order to prevent kidney stones, in addition to the above-mentioned water intake and dietary adjustments, there are also some details of life that need to be paid attention to. Regular medical check-ups are important, especially for people with a family history or a history of kidney stones, and regular urinalysis and imaging tests can detect kidney stones early and intervene.
Quitting smoking and alcohol is also an important measure to prevent kidney stones. Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of kidney stones, and developing healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way in preventing kidney stones.
It is also important to maintain good lifestyle habits. Regular sleep schedules, avoiding staying up late, and reducing stress all help maintain the body's normal metabolism and reduce the risk of stone formation.
epilogue
Although kidney stones are common, they can be avoided with scientific precautions. Especially in summer, the incidence of kidney stones can be effectively reduced by increasing water intake, adjusting diet, controlling weight, and maintaining exercise. Hopefully, the tips provided in this article will help you stay away from kidney stones and enjoy a healthy life in the hot summer.
Finally, what experiences and insights would you like to share? Feel free to leave a message in the comment area!
bibliography
1. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024, 25(3075), DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053075.