Kidney stones are a disease that causes a lot of pain, directly affecting the health of patients. Recently, the number of kidney stones has tended to increase, especially in young people.
According to a study published in the Journal of Urology in 2023, people who regularly drink less water and consume more salt have a significantly higher risk of kidney stones. Scientists say that even mild dehydration also increases calcium and oxalate levels in urine, thereby promoting the formation of stones.
Reasons for the increase in kidney stones
Not drinking enough water: Although warned a lot, most people still do not provide enough water for their bodies, especially those working in offices or living in hot climate areas. When the amount of water intake is not enough, urine becomes more concentrated, increasing the risk of kidney stones forming.
High-salt diet: Sodium is present in most processed foods such as french fries, bread, packaged snacks, and even breakfast cereals or sandwiches. Excessive salt forces the kidneys to overload, while increasing calcium secretion through urine, a favorable factor for the formation of stones.
Convenient eating habits are increasingly common: Busy life makes many people choose fast food, instant noodles and processed foods. These foods often contain a lot of salt, little water and lack protective nutrients in fresh vegetables and fruits, thereby increasing the risk of kidney stones.
Things to do to protect your kidneys
Prioritize providing enough water for the body: The simple sign that you drink enough water is light yellow urine. Filtered water is still the best choice, besides which you can supplement with coconut water, lemon juice or herbal tea. For people who sweat a lot, especially in the summer, you need to increase your daily water intake.
Limit salty foods and pre-packaged foods: You should cook at home to control salt content. Read the food label carefully: according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), products containing over 20% sodium per serving are considered to have a high salt content. Replace packaged snacks with fresh fruits, nuts or homemade dishes.
Supplement foods rich in citrate: Citrate is a substance that can inhibit the formation of kidney stones, abundant in citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, tangerine. Drinking a glass of lemon water every day can help reduce the risk of stones formation.
Balancing calcium intake: Contrary to common thinking, completely eliminating calcium does not help prevent kidney stones. Conversely, incorporating calcium-rich foods into meals can reduce the absorption of oxalate, an important component of stones.
Maintain a reasonable weight and exercise regularly: A less active lifestyle increases the risk of kidney stones. Even light activities such as daily walking also help improve blood circulation and support kidney function more effectively.
Notes
Drinking enough water, maintaining a balanced diet and controlling salt consumption are simple but effective measures to reduce the risk of kidney stones. Experts emphasize that small changes in daily habits can bring great benefits to long-term kidney health.
The information in the article is for reference only, not for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly with your doctor for accurate and appropriate advice to your health condition.
