Amritsar, May 23 : Kidney stones are becoming increasingly common today, especially among younger adults who are constantly juggling long work hours, irregular eating habits, low water intake and high consumption of processed foods. What makes the condition difficult is that many people do not realise how strongly everyday lifestyle choices influence kidney stone formation until they experience severe pain or discomfort themselves said Dr. Manbir Singh, Consultant, Urology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar.
While genetics and certain medical conditions can increase the risk, diet and hydration continue to play one of the biggest roles in prevention. The good part is that small and practical changes in daily habits can go a long way in lowering the chances of developing stones or preventing recurrence.
Why hydration matters more than most people think
According to National Institute of Health one of the simplest yet most overlooked reasons behind kidney stones is inadequate water intake. When the body remains dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated. This allows minerals and salts to stick together and gradually form crystals that can eventually turn into stones.
Many people believe drinking water only when thirsty is enough, but thirst is often a late sign of dehydration. A simple way to understand hydration is by checking urine colour. A simple way to check hydration is by looking at the colour of your urine. If it is pale or light yellow, the body is usually getting enough fluids. Darker urine can often be a sign that you need to drink more water. We also recommend making plain water the main source of daily hydration. Coconut water, lemon water and plain buttermilk can also support fluid intake in moderation. However, sugary beverages, excess soft drinks and artificially sweetened drinks may increase the risk of stones in some individuals.
Simple dietary habits that can help lower risk
Many people immediately assume they need to completely avoid calcium when they hear about kidney stones. In reality, cutting down calcium unnecessarily may sometimes do more harm than good. A balanced intake of calcium from natural food sources like curd, milk and paneer can actually help bind oxalates in the gut and reduce stone formation risk.
At the same time, excess salt intake is something people should pay closer attention to. High sodium consumption can increase calcium levels in urine, which may contribute to stone development. Packaged snacks, instant foods, processed meats and restaurant meals often contain hidden sodium in large amounts.
Another important factor is moderation with foods high in oxalates for people who are already prone to stones. Spinach, beetroot, nuts and chocolate are nutritious foods, but excessive intake without balance may not be ideal for everyone.
Protein intake also plays an important role in kidney stone risk. Consuming large amounts of red meat and processed meat may increase uric acid levels in the body, which can contribute to stone formation in some people. On the other hand, adding more fruits, vegetables and fiber rich foods to the diet can help support better kidney health. Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges may also help because they contain citrate that is a compound that can reduce the chances of crystals forming in urine.
