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Christmas Inn Australia It’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of good food and drink.
But such a combination contributes at this time of year peak season For kidney stones,
But What exactly are kidney stones?Why is this painful kidney condition more common at this time of year, And how can you reduce your risk,
What exactly are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard crystals made of minerals – e.g. calcium and oxalate – in urineThey form when urine becomes too concentrated, Due to this, these minerals stick together and become stones,
Stones are usually the size of small grains of sand and do not cause any symptoms. However, when stones become large enough, they may move into the ureter (the narrow tube between the kidney and the bladder). During this migration, they can block the flow of urine, causing severe pain.
The pain radiates from the mid back to the pelvis, and may come and go as the stone enters the ureter. Nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine usually occur at the same time.
In severe cases, kidney stones can block the flow of urine and trap bacteria, leading to serious infections. This can cause permanent damage to the kidneys.
About one in ten Australians will have kidney stones at some point in their lives. The condition affects adults of all ages, with those aged 40–60 being at greatest risk.
Now let’s see why kidney stones are more common at this time of year.
Oh, it’s hot…
Kidney stones are most common in summer. A recent review showed that the risk of kidney stones increases by 2.4% for every 1 °C increase in average outdoor temperature.
High temperature causes excessive sweating and dehydrationThis concentrates your urine and allows the minerals in your urine to turn into stones,
People living in tropical areas with high humidity, such as Far North Queensland, have a higher risk of developing kidney stones.
This is because humid air prevents sweat from evaporating to cool the body completely. This causes excessive sweating and worsens dehydration, which increases the risk of kidney stone formation.
…getting hotter
Climate change, with its higher temperatures and heatwaves, means kidney stones are likely to become even more common.
This is partly because high-risk areas are expanding. Rates of kidney stones are higher in hot tropical climates closer to the equator. But as global temperatures rise, these areas are spreading away from the equator to colder regions, putting more people at risk.
With climate change, heat waves are becoming more frequent and longer lasting. Along with this, the risk of dehydration and kidney stones also increases.
Those most at risk now and in the future include elderly people, outdoor workers and those without access to adequate cooling.
eating, drinking and traveling
Christmas is a risky time for kidney stones for other reasons. Festive eating habits and changed travel habits mean that this time of year is ideal conditions for kidney stones to form.
Excessive alcohol causes dehydration, which we know increases the risk of kidney stones. Sweetened soft drinks and foods high in salt, such as meat, chips and cheese, cause more stone-promoting minerals to accumulate and form stones.
Symptoms of kidney stones
NHS
Large kidney stones can cause several symptoms, including:
- pain in your stomach (stomach) area
- severe pain that comes and goes
- feeling sick or vomiting
Foods that contain high levels of oxalate, a chemical found naturally in some plant foods, also increase the risk of kidney stones if eaten regularly over a long period of time. Examples of foods rich in oxalate include spinach, almonds, and dark chocolate.
Routines may be disrupted as a result of long road trips and air travel. Travel is a common cause of dehydration as people drink less alcohol, access to toilets can be inconvenient, and sweat loss increases in hot places. This reduces the amount of urine which becomes more concentrated.
Ways to avoid kidney stones
Most kidney stones can be prevented. Here’s how you can significantly reduce your risk of kidney stones this holiday season.
1. Drink more water
Drinking adequate amounts of water is the most important way to prevent kidney stones. You should aim to drink 2.5-3 liters of fluids per day, more on hot days or during exercise.
The best way to know if you are well hydrated is to look at your urine. It should appear yellow or clear, with no odor. Another good sign is not feeling thirsty.
About the author
Anthony Datt is Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash University.
This article was originally published by Conversation And it is republished under a Creative Commons license. read the original article,
The best fluid to drink is water. You can add a squeeze of lemon or lime. These contain citric acid, which prevents the formation of stones.
Consume alcohol in moderation. Mix a standard drink with a glass of water.
2. Don’t overeat
It may be tempting to overeat during the holiday season, but try to limit foods that we know can increase your risk of kidney stones. You don’t need to completely avoid these salty and sweet foods.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant this time of year, and they are excellent sources of magnesium and fiber. These bind oxalate in the intestine, preventing it from reaching the kidneys. Fresh fruits and vegetables also contain anti-stone elements like citric acid and potassium in abundance.
3. Avoid heat
This will reduce fluid loss, reducing the risk of dehydration and kidney stone formation.
Stay out of the heat during hot times of the day and seek shade or air conditioning. Take advantage of the pool or the ocean to stay cool.