Chennai: People with kidney stones have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney diseases and chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension at a later stage, reveals a recent research by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Medicos say that one of the most common factors leading to the formation of a kidney stone is lack of water in the body.
Chronic kidney diseases are 1.5 times more likely to occur due to obstructive kidney stones, which are formed in the body due to less intake of drinking water. These cases are more common in women than men who have a threefold increased chance of needing dialysis treatment due to kidney stones, the study reveals. While the effects of kidney stones can worsen the body systems, drinking adequate water can help prevent the risk of kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps kidneys to flush out all the toxins from our body. Water maintains a balance of all the body fluids, regulating the blood pressure and helping in the formation of red blood cells, say experts.
“Kidney stones are the result of an accumulation of dissolved minerals in the inner lining of the kidneys. According to research, people with kidney stones have a significantly higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease that can even lead to diabetes and hypertension. Drinking enough water helps to wash away the accumulated salts, which are likely to turn to stones at a later stage”, said Dr M R Pari, consultant urologist, Fortis Malar.
Though kidney stones also form due to genetic conditions also, diet and lifestyle practices also contribute to the formation of stones. While diet plays a significant role for a clean and healthy kidney, adequate hydration helps prevent the risk of kidney stones. “The intake of water connects with the production of urine and people who produce 2 to 2.5 liters of urine daily have 50 percent less chance to develop kidneys stones than those who produced less. If an individual does not drink enough water, the urine will have higher concentrations of waste produces, basically salts that can form stones. Kidneys can remove the toxins from our body, maintain a balance of all the body fluids, regulate blood pressure and help in the formation of red blood cells”, said Dr K Natarajan, senior urologist.
EXPERTS ADVISE
People tend to believe that since most kidney stones are made of calcium, a low calcium diet can reduce the risk of kidney stones. However, urologists regard this as a myth. It was found that individuals who had diets rich in calcium had a one-third lower risk of kidney stones than those with low calcium diets.
