Warm weather brings days at the beach, sunscreen, and … kidney stones?
Researchers caution that individuals who don’t stay properly hydrated are at a higher risk of developing these painful mineral deposits as temperatures and humidity rise during the summer. Additionally, a diet high in sodium, fat, and sugar can contribute to the likelihood of developing kidney stones, which affects about 1 in 10 Americans over their lifetimes.
Kidney stones form when minerals in the urine crystallize into small stones or pebble-like masses. These stones can become lodged in the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder, causing obstruction, difficulty urinating, and sharp pain in the side or lower back. While some stones pass on their own with minimal discomfort, others can cause significant pain.
Summer is a critical time to be vigilant about these deposits, as there’s an increased risk of kidney stones when temperatures rise and people fail to stay hydrated, explained Dr. Ivan E. Porter, a nephrologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. When it’s hot, people sweat more and may not drink enough water or other fluids, leading to conditions that “absolutely can relate to an increased risk of both stone events and stone formation,” Porter said.
A 2023 study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases revealed that emergency room visits to New York state hospitals for kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and other kidney injuries rose during the warmer months, especially in May and September.
Dr. Shao Lin, a professor of environmental health at the State University of New York at Albany and a co-author of the study, suggested that people are often unprepared for rising temperatures. “The human body has not yet adapted to the hot weather in May,” Lin said. “People are not ready for that,” as they may spend too much time in the sun, drink insufficient water, or neglect to use air conditioning.
Beyond the heat and hydration issues, other factors contribute to the rising number of kidney stone cases. Kidney stone rates in the United States have increased from 3.8% in the late 1970s to about 10% a decade ago, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
“Over the past few decades, while we’ve observed a decline or slowdown in some other diseases, the incidence of kidney stones has not decreased. In fact, it has continued to rise,” said Dr. Timothy Averch, a urologist based in Columbia, South Carolina.
Averch attributed this rise to warming temperatures and unhealthy diets. “Our diets are not very healthy regarding kidney stones, and even some foods we consider healthy can negatively impact kidney stone formation,” Averch said.
How to Lower Your Risk of Kidney Stones
The most important preventive measure is to drink plenty of water or other fluids with citrate, such as lemonade or lemon juice, to stay hydrated, Averch said. It is equally important to avoid or limit drinks that can dehydrate, such as coffee and alcohol.
Doctors also recommend reducing sodium intake. Processed foods, which are often high in sodium, should be avoided, Porter advised.Averch attributed this rise to warming temperatures and unhealthy diets. “Our diets are not very healthy regarding kidney stones, and even some foods we consider healthy can negatively impact kidney stone formation,” Averch said.
People should also steer clear of diets rich in animal proteins and fats. Averch referenced an Italian study indicating that such diets could result in hypercalcemia, an excess of calcium in the bloodstream.
Researchers have debunked some diet myths. Decades ago, it was thought that consuming too much milk or dairy products could increase the risk of kidney stones. However, studies have shown that calcium-rich foods like cheese, milk, and yogurt actually reduce the risk of calcium oxalate stones.
“Individuals who increased their consumption of dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt actually exhibited lower metabolic risk factors for stones,” Porter explained. However, he cautioned against large doses of calcium supplements, which could elevate the risk. “Therefore, a diet abundant in calcium-rich foods is beneficial, whereas reliance on calcium supplements may pose risks,” Porter advised.
What to Do if You Have Kidney Stone Symptoms
People with kidney stones may first notice sharp pain in the lower back or side that radiates to the groin. Others may experience general pain or a persistent stomachache.
Other symptoms include blood in the urine, a burning sensation when urinating, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
Doctors can diagnose kidney stones through imaging tests and blood tests to check for calcium, phosphorus, and uric acid levels. While many patients can pass stones on their own, some may need medical intervention. According to the National Kidney Foundation, if you’ve had a stone, there’s a 50% chance of developing another within five to seven years.
If you believe you may have a kidney stone, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. “If you’re uncertain about the symptoms and have never experienced a kidney stone before, it’s advisable to seek medical attention,” advised Averch.
