Does Hot Weather increase The Risk of Kidney Stones

It is that time of the year, when the searing heat makes us want to reach out for a glass of water every few minutes. But, turns out there are more important reasons to consume more water in summer, other than for cooling ourselves.

Dehydration is very common during summer, and this lack of water in our body can lead to the formation of kidney stones. These are small deposits, usually made of calcium, that collect in the urine and form in the kidneys. If not treated promptly and properly, these can cause serious damages to our system.  Many studies have shown that people who live in hotter climates are at a greater risk of developing kidney stones than those living in cooler places. This is because, dehydration occurs faster in summer due to sweating. As a result, a person urinates less, leading to accumulation and crystallization of substances such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid in the kidneys.

It should be emphasized that it is important to consume the right kind of fluids when the weather is hot, for drinking sodas and carbonated drinks can have a counterproductive effect by reducing the water content further in our body. Drinking more amounts of water is the safest bet to prevent kidney stone formation.

Fortunately, kidney stone treatment is a simple affair if detected early enough, and one can make appropriate changes in their dietary habits to combat it. The most important, and also the simplest thing, one can do is increasing the consumption of water. Also, it is important to reduce the acidic content of our diet. Therefore it is important to consume sufficient fruits and vegetables, as well as foods rich in potassium and magnesium.

Depending on the type of kidney stones, you can modify your diet slightly. For people suffering from kidney stones made of calcium oxalate, foods like spinach, black tea, nuts, and chocolate must be limited. In case of uric acid stones, it is advised to keep a check on the quantity of animal protein and sugary sodas.

In any case, it is of utmost importance to get immediate medical care for any such complications. NU Hospitals is a reputed nephrology and urology hospital known for the effective treatment of kidney stones in Bangalore. With its modern medical infrastructure as well as qualified specialists, it has provided relief to many suffering from similar ailments.