Did you know that the risk of kidney stone formation increases during the summer season? And that in recent years, due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, it has been rapidly spreading not only among adults but also in children?
Assoc. Prof. Hakan Özveri, Urology Specialist at Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital, points out that kidney stones, which cause severe pain and turn life into a nightmare, can be prevented by following some simple rules. He states: "Particularly during the summer months, due to extreme heat and humidity, the body loses fluid that is not adequately replaced by insufficient water consumption, the consumption of high-sodium foods such as salted nuts, processed cheese and meat products, and fast-food items, as well as high-protein diets can create the conditions for kidney stone formation."
Emphasizing that untreated kidney stones can eventually lead to kidney loss, Urology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Özveri explained five summer mistakes that damage the kidneys and provided important warnings and recommendations.
- Insufficient water intake
During summer, extreme heat and humidity increase perspiration, accelerating fluid loss from the body. However, many people who are not accustomed to drinking water, or even force themselves to drink it, only drink water when thirsty or consume sugary, carbonated beverages instead of water. However, especially during the summer months, it is essential to drink at least 2.5 liters of water daily. While sugary and carbonated drinks cause harm rather than benefit to health, drinking tea and coffee does not replace water as commonly believed and, due to their diuretic effects, causes water to be eliminated from the body. Insufficient water intake creates conditions not only for kidney stones but for many kidney diseases, and if untreated, can even lead to kidney loss.
- Excessive salt consumption
Unfortunately, in our country, salt consumption is far above the recommended level. According to the World Health Organization, daily salt consumption should definitely not exceed 5 grams (1 teaspoon). Noting that many people add extra salt to their meals, which can cause not only heart and hypertension diseases but also stone formation in the kidneys, Assoc. Prof. Hakan Özveri emphasizes that salt is found in many foods ranging from vegetables to dairy products, and therefore extra salt should not be added to meals. Pointing out that in recent years fast-food style eating, ready-made foods and various snacks have gained great interest, but these products contain very high amounts of salt, Assoc. Prof. Özveri says that healthy nutrition is of great importance.
- Insufficient vegetable consumption
Emphasizing that the increased time spent outdoors during the summer months, eating fried foods and meat-heavy diets instead of vegetable dishes, particularly at open buffets during holiday periods, and consuming processed meat products at breakfast also harm the kidneys, Assoc. Prof. Hakan Özveri states that excessive consumption of animal proteins causes stone formation and therefore should not be consumed excessively.
Diets undertaken for weight loss, especially as summer approaches and before going on vacation during the summer season, may not be sustainable after a while and may be abandoned, and after being abandoned, weight may return even greater. Excess weight is undoubtedly one of the greatest enemies of health, and it is also extremely harmful to kidney health. In fact, people diagnosed with overweight or obesity are seen to have an increased risk of kidney stones. However, to lose excess weight, one must avoid unsustainable crash diets high in protein that cause more harm than benefit, and avoid all kinds of products sold under the name 'herbal'.
- Staying indoors due to heat and humidity
Extreme heat and high humidity are almost unbearable, and it is beneficial for people in at-risk groups to remain indoors, if possible, during the hours when the sun is directly overhead. Similarly, since exercising outdoors between 11:00-16:00 hours, when sunlight is direct and intense, can also be dangerous, early morning or evening hours are appropriate times for outdoor walking or exercise. However, some people may stay indoors due to summer seasonal conditions, not walking outdoors or engaging in any activity. Lack of physical activity is harmful to health in many respects and can also increase the frequency of kidney stone occurrence. Therefore, it is necessary not to neglect exercise and to avoid remaining sedentary.
