WHAT CAUSES KIDNEY STONES AND HOW TO TAKE CARE

Urological disorders are increasing due to various factors like westernization of dietary habits, smoking, alcoholism, stress, etc. These disorders can be seen across all age groups and genders. Patients with kidney stones constitutes major urological practice. The incidence is ever increasing predominantly due change in the life styles. Familial or congenital occurrence of kidney stones is rare. Several factors like climate, season, food habits, obesity, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infections, drugs play a role.

In hot climatic conditions and during summer season the incidence of stone disease will significantly increase. Due to excessive perspiration, dehydration and substitution of aerated drinks for water lead to decreased urine output, acidification of urine and increase in the urinary solute load. All of the above contribute to increased incidence of stone formation says "Dr. Gutta Srinivas, MBBS, MS, DNB (Urology), Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon, STAR Hospitals

UNHEALTHY DIET CAN LEAD TO KIDNEY STONES

Single most important contributor to the increased incidence of stone formation. Excessive intake of Salt directly leads to increased incidence of stone formation. Knowingly or unknowingly Indians are very fond of eating excess salt containing foods. Pickles, chutneys, canned/tinned foods, chips and several junk foods contribute to high salt intake. Human body tries to maintain a balance and tries to excrete the excessive salts through urine. Excessive salt (Na+) in the urine directly leads to excessive calcium in the urine, this in turn leads to increased incidence of kidney stone formation.

Second most important dietary factor is high intake of Non-vegetarian foods, be it meat, chicken, fish or any other meat products. Non-veg leads to increased acidification of urine which in turn leads to excessive crystallization of urine with calcium, leading to calcium containing stones. Non-veg also leads to increased incidence of Uric acid stones.

Sugar: High intake of sugar is also not advisable for kidney stone patients as it leads to increased incidence of stone formation due to impaired glucose metabolism. Hence Diabetics are very prone to renal stone formation.There are lots of myths about vegetarian foods causing kidney stones. Tomatoes, brinjal, cabbage etc have absolutely no role in stone formation. Spinach, Rhubarb, Okra, Nuts, Tea, Cocoa are some of the foods rich in oxalate hence excessive intake should be avoided.

Fluids: Excessive oral intake of fluids should be encouraged. Stone formers should consume nearly 4 liters of water in order to have an urine output of nearly 3 liters a day. Avoid aerated sugary drinks especially coke containing products as it can lead to significant increase in stone formation.

Obesity: The incidence has increased many folds in the recent past. Sedentary life styles, excessive intake of junk foods, sugary aerated drinks, non-vegetarian foods all of which are significant risk factors for stone formation & can also lead to obesity.

The Department of Urology at Star Hospital offers special packages tailored to different age, gender and risk groups. With state-of-the-art technology and surgical expertise, this renowned hospital is at the forefront for providing world-class urological care to the needy at a very affordable cost.

Book Appointment: Dr. Gutta Srinivas, MBBS, MS, DNB (Urology), Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon, STAR Hospitals