Kidney Stones Are More Prevalent In The Summer
by Sheila McCormick on July 22nd, 2009
Loading ...Most people look forward to summer with its carefree days and restful vacations. But for people who suffer from kidney stones summer can be the most dreaded season of the year. Kidney stones are more prevalent in the summer because they are linked to low water consumption and many people don’t drink enough water to compensate for higher temperatures.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, over a million Americans are treated for kidney stones each year. Men are three times more likely to develop kidney stones than women. Age also plays a role and people between the ages of 30 and 60 are at the highest risk. Other risk factors include family history, obesity and recurrent kidney infections.
Kidney stones are mineral deposits that are comprised of calcium, uric acid and an amino acid called cysteine. The stones are hard masses which can be as small as a grain of salt or as large as a golf ball and they can be extremely painful. Typically, a kidney stone sufferer feels a sharp cramping pain in the back and sides in the area of the kidney or the lower abdomen. Sometimes the first sign of a kidney stone is sudden and excruciating pain, which occurs when the stone moves into the urinary tract causing irritation and blockage.
People who have experienced kidney stones live in constant fear of a recurrence. One of the best natural ways to prevent and treat kidney stones is with plenty of water. This is especially important when the weather is extremely hot. If you are at risk for kidney stones it is essential that you drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If your body doesn’t get enough water then waste products start to accumulate in the kidneys and those waste products can form kidney stones. People with a history of kidney stones should drink at least 14 cups of water a day. Put slices of lemon in your water because lemons are high in citrate, which helps inhibit the growth of kidney stones.
Because diets high in protein increase your risk of kidney stones it is important to reduce the amount of meat that is consumed. (Excessive consumption of animal protein contributes to the production of uric acid.) If you cut your meat intake by 30 percent you can substantially reduce your risk of kidney stones.
People with low levels of magnesium and B6 have an increased risk for kidney stones so many holistic health practitioners recommend taking supplements. Cranberry supplements may also be helpful because they support urinary health. Talk to your holistic practitioner about the supplements that will work best for you so that you can enjoy your summer without worrying about the excruciating pain of kidney stones.
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