Modern lifestyle increases the risk of kidney stones
Previously, kidney stones were common in middle-aged people, but now the disease is appearing more and more in young people. A study published in the US National Library of Medicine shows that the rate of kidney stones has increased steadily in recent decades. The main causes come from an unhealthy diet, consuming a lot of salt, not drinking enough water, and a less active lifestyle.
According to Dr. Tushar Tayal, Deputy Director of the Department of Internal Medicine, Birla CK Hospital (Gurugram, India), kidney stones are currently one of the common diseases in medical facilities. According to him, eating too many processed foods, fast food, and the habit of drinking less water cause kidneys to overload.
When the body is not adequately hydrated, urine will condense, increasing the concentration of minerals such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid. These substances are easily crystallized and form stones in the kidneys," Dr. Tayal explained.
Three simple ways to prevent kidney stones
Drink enough water every day: Drinking enough water is the most effective measure to prevent kidney stones. Water helps dilute urine, limiting the crystallization of stones. According to Dr. Tayal, each person should drink about 2.5–3 liters of water per day, or more if working hard or living in hot climates. Urine with a clear or pale yellow color is a sign that the body has been supplied with enough water.
Limit salty eating: Eating a lot of salt increases the amount of calcium excreted through urine, thereby increasing the risk of calcium stones forming. Experts recommend limiting processed foods, pickled foods, fast foods and reducing salt intake when cooking at home. Prioritizing fresh, self-processed meals will help the kidneys function more effectively.
Maintain a balanced diet: Many people mistakenly believe that it is necessary to completely eliminate calcium to avoid kidney stones, but in fact it is not the case. Supplementing enough calcium from natural foods helps calcium bind to oxalate in the intestines, thereby reducing the risk of stones. In addition, you should limit eating too much red meat, reduce sugary drinks and increase green vegetables and fruits to protect kidney health.
