Summer may be linked to a rise in kidney stones
In many ways, summer can be great for your health. You’re more likely to spend time outdoors getting exercise, fresh air and vitamin D, but it’s also a time when people tend to get kidney stones, researchers claim.
“More people suffer from kidney stones when the weather is hot and dry because they become dehydrated,” Jorge Gutierrez-Aceves, a professor of urology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center tells Inquistr. “Without proper hydration, the urinary levels of mineral and salts such as calcium get more concentrated. This increases the risk for stones.”
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Kidney stones are caused when there is a decreased volume of urine, which allows hard mineral deposits like calcium to build up inside your kidneys. These stones can be incredibly painful, often requiring that you “pass” them through your urinary passageway or have them removed surgically.
Certain foods also can increase your risk of stones, including tea, spinach and blueberries. In summer, Gutierrez-Aceves noticed that there was a noticeable rise in kidney stone incidences as many people tend to drink large quantities of refreshing iced tea on hot summer days. Interestingly, this wasn’t the case with calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream, which didn’t show any increase in calcium stone formation.
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Despite these findings, Gutierrez-Aceves isn’t suggesting that you put down the iced tea. Like most doctors, he recommends those prone to stones drink approximately 10 ten-ounce cups of liquid a day – ideally plain water or citrus fruit juices. If possible, sweetened teas should be avoided.
What do you think of this study? What’s your favourite summer drink? Let us know by tweeting to @YahooStyleCA.
