The kidneys are a pair of organs located in the abdomen. These bean-shaped organs are about 5 inches long and 3 inches wide and are responsible for eliminating toxins from the body.
However, they are often overlooked and not properly cared for. This oversight can lead to fatal chronic kidney failure.
Recently, kidney-related diseases have been steadily increasing in India as well. Let's talk about numbers:
- A 2023 study states that kidney disease is a major public health concern in India with high morbidity and mortality.
- According to the study, it is estimated that: 50% increase Number of deaths from chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2001–2003 and 2010–2013.
- It has also been revealed that one in five adults suffers from CKD.
- CKD has also been shown to be increased in patients with kidney stones. Experts say this trend is also on the rise in India, especially among Millennials and Gen Z.
Kidney stones in young people
Experts seem to agree with the data we just talked about. They say more young patients are coming to the hospital with kidney-related problems, especially kidney stones.
“As urologists, we are concerned about the increasing prevalence of kidney stones among younger generations, including Gen Z and Millennials. Kidney stones were once primarily a concern for older adults. But now people in their 20s and 30s are affected at an alarming rate,” says Dr Prakash Chandra Shetty, a urologist at LH Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, Mumbai.
This was also agreed by other experts. I talked to him.
“Kidney stones are definitely on the rise among Gen Z and Millennials,” says Dr. Nitin Shrivastava, senior consultant for urology, kidney transplant program, and robotic surgery at Artemis Hospital in Gurugram.
What causes kidney stones?
Dr. Shetty says, genetics Lifestyle factors often contribute significantly to the development of “these painful and potentially debilitating conditions,” as they can play a role in the formation of kidney stones.
Dr. Shrivastava also believes that our unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits are the cause of kidney stones. “A variety of factors contribute to the increased prevalence of kidney stones in young people, including:
- insufficient hydration
- High intake of processed foods
- sedentary lifestyle. ”
Dr. Dipak Patade, Consultant Physician, Adhikari Lifeline Multispecialty Hospital, Palghar, Mumbai, agrees, adding that foods like high sodium (resist the urge to consume extra salt with every meal), sugar, and processed foods. He added that dietary choices and a combination of low-calorie foods are important. Water and fruit/vegetable intake contribute to stone formation.
How correcting your lifestyle can help
Well, good news.
Experts say lifestyle changes can help prevent kidney problems such as stones.
Here's how:
1. Modify your diet
Dr. Shetty says that one of the main reasons for the increase in kidney stones among young people is poor diet.
No no no
Dr. Shetty says no to foods high in sodium, sugar, and of course, processed foods.
why: He says these foods can disrupt the mineral balance in your urine, making you more likely to form kidney stones.
You should also limit your intake of foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, nuts, and chocolate, as they increase your risk of developing calcium oxalate stones, Dr. Srivastova added.
yes
Dr. Srivastva says incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet can also lower your risk of stone formation.
Other foods include:
- Citrus fruit: Citrate, found in fruits such as lemons, oranges, and limes, binds to calcium in the urine and helps prevent stone formation.
- Leafy vegetables: Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale, which are rich in calcium and magnesium, reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
- cranberry: Taking cranberry juice and supplements may help prevent urinary tract infections that can cause certain types of kidney stones.
2. What about alcohol?
Experts are divided on the correlation between alcohol consumption, which is often considered unhealthy, and kidney stones.
Dr. Pattard says some research suggests that moderate beer consumption may help prevent kidney stones because beer has a high water content and is a diuretic. (drugs that help remove excess water and salt from the body) This effect increases urine production and helps reduce the concentration of stone-forming substances in the kidneys.
However, he and other experts believe that beer also contains purines and oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of certain types of kidney stones, particularly uric acid and calcium oxalate stones. I'm warning you that there is.
Overall, alcohol consumption can cause dehydration, which is a risk factor for kidney stones.
Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol, including beer, as much as possible.
3. Drink water
We all know the importance of drinking water. According to experts, it not only cleanses the skin and removes toxins to keep the body clean, but also plays an important role in preventing kidney stones.
Dr. Srivastava says, “Drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day dilutes the urine and prevents minerals from crystallizing and forming stones in the kidneys.”
“Make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and try to increase your fluid intake in hot weather or when doing physical activity,” he added.
4. Stress
- Stress can manifest itself in the body in many different ways. When it comes to the kidneys, experts say it can cause kidney stones.
Dr. Shetty says stress management is also important in preventing kidney stones.
how?
- Chronic stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as poor dietary choices and decreased physical activity, which can exacerbate the risk of stone formation.
“Teaching young people stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises can help them better manage their stress levels and improve their overall health,” says Dr. Shetty.
“Maintain a healthy weight”
To prevent kidney stones, it's important to be physically active, eat a nutritious diet, and maintain a healthy weight.
“Obesity and being overweight increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Therefore, getting regular physical activity and choosing healthier foods can help you manage your weight and ultimately reduce your risk of kidney stone formation. It can be alleviated,” says Dr. Shetty.
symptoms
In addition to lifestyle changes, young people should prioritize regular health checkups and tests with their health care provider, experts say.
“Regular monitoring of kidney function and urinary tract health can help identify risk factors for kidney stones early and allow interventions to prevent their development,” says Dr. Shrivastava. Masu.
Watch for symptoms that may indicate kidney stones, such as severe abdominal or back pain, blood in the urine, or difficulty urinating.
conclusion
To prevent kidney stones and other kidney-related diseases, especially among young people, it's important to develop healthier habits, stay hydrated, and get kidney tests if you notice symptoms.
