Beware during the hot summer months: Insufficient water consumption predisposes to kidney stones

Urology Specialist Dr. Cem Şah said that if there is no disease, increasing water consumption so that the urine color is light is very beneficial both in terms of protection from kidney stones and general health.

Medline Adana Hospital Urology Specialist Dr. Cem Şah said that kidney stones are one of the common diseases of the kidneys, which undertake many important tasks, especially the removal of wastes formed by the functioning of human metabolism from the body. Şah noted that one of the reasons leading to the development of this problem is insufficient water consumption and gave warnings. Explaining that the hard structures formed by the combination of some minerals in the kidney canals due to unknown reasons are called 'kidney stones', Dr. Şah said, “Kidney stones, which can be of different sizes and structures, do not cause any pain if they do not interfere with urine flow. However, kidney stones that form suddenly and completely block the urinary tract can turn life into a nightmare in an instant with severe pain and pain.”

Kidneys need plenty of water

Stating that the kidneys need water to filter the wastes in metabolism and excrete them through urine, Dr. Şah said, “The kidneys dilute and excrete the harmful waste substances (urea, creatinine, uric acid, etc.) that occur in our body every day with water. However, in individuals who drink less fluid than the daily need, urinary tract inflammation and stones are easier to form as urine flow will slow down.”

Stating that one of the ways to prevent kidney stones, which can sometimes be quite painful and can even lead to kidney loss if left untreated, is to consume plenty of water, Dr. Şah reminded that insufficient water consumption can lead to kidney failure in the long term.

Drink 2.5-3 liters of water a day

Noting that nutritional factors are of great importance in stone formation, Dr. Şah said, “Therefore, it may be possible to prevent kidney stones by eating right. However, one of the most common mistakes is insufficient water consumption, especially in the summer months. In hot and sweltering weather, our metabolism loses much more water than normal. Despite this, it often does not occur to us to drink water. Insufficient water consumption is among the important factors that open the door to kidney stone formation. For this reason, it is important to consume at least 2.5-3 liters of fluid a day without waiting for thirst to avoid problems. However, beverages such as soft drinks, tea and coffee consumed daily should not be counted in the amount in question, “he said, underlining that these drinks are diuretics (diuretics) and cannot replace water.

Check your urine color

Stating that there are various ways to understand whether we consume enough fluids, Dr. Şah said, “The easiest way to understand this is to look at the color of urine. The urine of a person who drinks enough water is light yellow or pale yellow. In addition, under normal conditions, an adult individual should urinate 6-7 times a day. However, each individual's water needs are different and this may vary depending on weather conditions, physical activity and comorbidities. For example, fluid restriction is recommended for individuals with diseases such as heart failure or cirrhosis.”

Şah noted that if there is no concomitant disease, increasing water consumption in a way that urine color is light is very beneficial both in terms of preventing kidney stones and general health.