According to research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the US Department of Health and Human Services, dehydration is the leading risk factor leading to kidney stones.
Senior nutritionist Edwina Raj (Aster CMI Hospital Bangalore) explains that when the body is dehydrated, the kidneys do not have enough liquid to dilute minerals and salts in the urine. This condition causes calcium, oxalate and uric acid levels to rise, sticking together into crystals. Over time, these crystals accumulate and develop into painful stones.
The easiest sign of dehydration is urine color. NIH notes that dark yellow urine is the body's "alarm signal". Meanwhile, bright urine shows that the kidneys are being well supported to eliminate waste.
Dehydration not only creates new stones but also exacerbates the symptoms of old stones. When the body is dehydrated, the urine flow slows down, making it difficult for stones to move out of the urinary tract, causing burning sensations, difficulty urinating or cramps. Therefore, drinking water properly can support or reduce symptoms for people with kidney stones.
With small-sized stones, increasing urine production will help wash away the kidneys and push stones out into nature through urine. For large stones, water helps dilute minerals, preventing stones from growing larger while waiting for medical interventions.
The National Health Service (NHS) offers a specific roadmap to prevent gravel recurrence:
1. Drink a maximum of 3 liters of liquid per day (including tea and coffee).
2. Add fresh lemon to daily drinking water to supplement citrate.
3. Avoid carbonated drinks, foods with too much salt, sugary soft drinks and high-dose caffeine because they easily cause dehydration and increase minerals in the urine.
For patients with kidney failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD), drinking too much water can cause dangerous complications. This group is required to consult a doctor about their daily water intake.
Although about 80% of small stones can come out on their own after 1-3 weeks, you should not be subjective. You need to go to the hospital immediately if you experience severe, unbearable pain, fever accompanied by chills, vomiting or blood in the urine. These are warning signs of severe kidney obstruction or infection.
