Many people drink less water during the monsoon season because the weather is cooler, making them less thirsty. However, this habit can increase the risk of kidney stones. Many people ignore problems like back pain, burning during urination, or frequent urination. However, these can be early symptoms of kidney stones.

According to Dr. Sarabjit Mohapatra, Associate Consultant, Urology Department, Manipal Hospital, early detection of kidney stone symptoms and proper treatment can help prevent serious complications later.

Why does the risk of kidney stones increase during monsoon?

The cold weather during monsoons reduces thirst. Consequently, many people don't drink enough water throughout the day. This leads to dehydration and reduced urine output. This reduced urine output increases the amount of salt and other minerals in the urine. These factors, combined, increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

Dr. Mohapatra says that drinking plenty of water regularly is the easiest and most effective way to prevent kidney stones, even during the monsoon. Additionally, drinking too much tea or coffee throughout the day, eating salty and processed foods, holding urine for long periods, and ignoring urinary problems can also increase the risk of kidney stones.

Some people are more likely to develop kidney stones due to these reasons.

Not drinking enough water throughout the day

High salt intake in the diet

frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

family history of kidney stones

Obesity or metabolic syndrome

Having kidney stones before

Recognize these 8 early symptoms of kidney stones.
Kidney stones don't initially cause any symptoms. However, when the stone begins to move or block the urinary tract, some obvious symptoms may appear.

Severe pain in the side or lower back

Pain from the back to the thighs or private parts

Burning or pain when urinating

Blood in urine

Frequent urge to urinate

nausea or vomiting

Fever and chills due to infection

Difficulty urinating

What should be done to avoid kidney stones?

Drink water regularly in small amounts throughout the day. This practice is more beneficial than drinking a lot of water at once.

Try to drink enough water so that your urine remains light yellow or almost clear.

Eat less salt. Cut back on chips, pickles, processed foods, and fast food.

Don't completely stop drinking milk or dairy products without consulting your doctor. Natural calcium from your diet may help prevent some types of kidney stones.

Include citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons in your diet. However, it's a misconception that drinking lemon water alone will dissolve kidney stones. Avoid excessive consumption of red meat and other animal proteins.

 PC: Rochakhbare