Hot Weather Increases Kidney Stone Risk

Kidney stone problems are detected annually in one out of every ten adults in our country, and their incidence is increasing globally. The issue becomes more acute during summer months. Dr. Murat Tuğrul Eren, Urology Specialist at Acibadem Kozyatağı Hospital, states: "Research shows that the substances forming kidney stones are poorly soluble in water. When urine volume decreases, these substances cannot dissolve in urine and form sediment, leading to kidney stone formation. Kidney stone diagnosis is particularly common during summer months. In summer, high temperatures combined with humidity accelerate fluid loss from the body, making it very important to replace this fluid." Urology Specialist Dr. Murat Tuğrul Eren outlined seven effective preventive measures and warnings against kidney stones.

Drink plenty of water

Consume at least 2 liters of fluid daily. Water-based fluid intake is ideal. Excessive consumption of products like coffee and tea can increase the amount of oxalate, a substance found in most stones, thereby triggering stone formation. There is substantial evidence that carbonated and cola beverages also increase stone formation.

Consume lemon

Fresh lemon or lemon juice reduces stone formation due to its citrate content. Citrate is a substance naturally present in our urine and prevents stone formation. Therefore, lemon consumption is very beneficial for kidney stone disease. Make a point of squeezing lemon into salads and soups.

Limit salt intake

Salt increases the excretion of calcium, found in the majority of kidney stones, from the kidneys, facilitating stone formation. Avoid excessive salt consumption. Do not add salt to your meals or even to yogurt drinks. By consuming as little salt as possible, you can also protect yourself from other diseases such as hypertension and heart problems.

Walk regularly and at a steady pace

Scientific studies demonstrate that sedentary behavior invites disease. In addition to general health benefits, regular exercise is necessary to protect against kidney stones. There is substantial evidence that exercise and maintaining an ideal weight reduce stone disease. Particularly during hot summer months when the urge to move may decrease, make sure to move during the day; take care to walk regularly and at a steady pace for at least 45 minutes daily.

Follow a vegetable-based diet

A diet rich in animal protein increases stone disease. For this reason, by following a diet rich in vegetables and fiber but low in protein, you can ease your digestion and protect yourself against kidney stones.

Do not overindulge in fruit

In summer, fruits and cold beverages can be very tempting. Moreover, fruits like watermelon and cantaloupe consist of nearly 100 percent water. However, these fruits and their juices contain fructose, which impairs sugar metabolism and can increase stone formation. For this reason, do not overindulge in fruit consumption.

Avoid fast-food

Urology Specialist Dr. Murat Tuğrul Eren states: "Increased fast-food consumption is considered one of the main reasons for the rise in stone disease worldwide, along with global warming. Since fast food is high in both protein and carbohydrates, you would be consuming two nutrients harmful for stone disease simultaneously. For this reason, avoid fast-food products as much as possible."