Christmas is peak kidney stone season. Blame the dehydration, the warmth and all that food

Christmas in Australia is a fantastic time to spend having fun with the outside, with numerous good food and wine.

But a group like this plays a very important role presently of 12 months Peak season for kidney stones.

But what are kidney stones? Why is that this painful kidney condition more common this time of 12 months? And how are you going to reduce your risk?

What are kidney stones, exactly?

Kidney stones are hard crystals fabricated from minerals – similar to calcium and oxalate – within the urine. They form when urine becomes too concentrated. This allows these minerals to bond together to form rocks.

Stones often start out the scale of a small grain of sand, and haven’t any symptoms. When stones change into large enough, nonetheless, they’ll migrate up the ureter (the narrow tube between the kidney and the bladder). During this migration, they’ll block the flow of urine, causing severe pain.

The pain ranges from the center of the back to the pelvis, and comes and goes because the stone moves down the ureter. At the identical time, there is frequently nausea, vomiting and blood within the urine.

In severe cases, kidney stones can block the flow of urine and trap bacteria, resulting in a serious infection. This could cause everlasting kidney damage.

about One in ten Australians will get a kidney stone sooner or later of their lives. This condition affects adults of all ages between the ages of 40-60.

Now let’s examine why kidney stones are more common presently of 12 months.

Phew, it’s hot…

Kidney stones are most typical in summer. a A recent review For every 1°C increase in mean outdoor temperature, the chance of kidney stones increased by 2.4%.

High temperatures cause excessive sweating and dehydration. This concentrates your urine and allows the minerals in your urine to form into stones.

People living in tropical areas, similar to high humidity with humidity Increased risk of kidney stones.

This is because humid air prevents sweat from evaporating to chill the body completely. This results in even worse sweating and dehydration, which increases your risk of developing kidney stones.

… and being hot

Climate change, with its high temperatures and warmth waves, are kidney stones It is likely to be even more common.

This is partly because high-risk zones are spreading. Kidney stone rates are higher in hot tropical climates near the equator. But as global temperatures rise, these zones are expanding from the equator to cooler regions, putting more people in danger.

With climate change, heat waves have gotten more frequent and longer. It also increases the chance of dehydration and kidney stones.

Those most in danger now and in the longer term include the elderly, outdoor staff and folks without access to adequate cooling.

Food, drink and travel

Christmas is a dangerous time for kidney stones for other reasons. Festive foods and drinks, plus modified travel habits, mean that this time of 12 months is right conditions for kidney stone formation.

Excess alcohol causes dehydration, which we all know increases the chance of kidney stones. Sugary soft drinks and foods, similar to meats, chips and cheese, contribute to overall stone-promoting minerals.

Foods that contain high levels of oxalates, a chemical found naturally in some plant foods, also increase the likelihood of kidney stones if eaten frequently over a protracted time period. Examples of foods high in oxalates add Spinach, almonds and dark chocolate.

Long road trips and air travel can lead to disrupted routines. Travel is a standard reason for dehydration because people drink less, access to toilets might be inconvenient, and hot places increase sweat loss. This reduces the quantity of urine that’s more concentrated.

Ways to Avoid Kidney Stones

The majority of kidney stones can be prevented. Here’s how you possibly can significantly reduce your risk of kidney stones this holiday season.

1. Drink more water

Drinking enough water is a very powerful strategy to prevent kidney stones. You must have a goal 2.5-3 liters of fluid a daymore during hot days or exercise.

The best strategy to know if you happen to are well hydrated is by your urine. It needs to be odorless, pale or clear. Another good sign isn’t feeling thirsty.

The best fluid to drink is water. You can add a squeeze of lime or lemon. They contain citric acid, which prevents stones from forming.

Drink alcohol carefully. Replace a normal drink with a glass of water.

2. Don’t get too offended

The holiday season will be the time to benefit from it, but attempt to limit the forms of foods that we all know increase your risk of kidney stones. You haven’t got to avoid these salty and sugary foods.

Fresh vegatables and fruits in season are plentiful year-round, and are great sources of magnesium and fiber. This Bind oxalate in the intestinesstopping it from reaching the kidney. Fresh vegatables and fruits are also high in stone preventers, similar to citric acid and potassium.

3. Avoid heat

This will reduce fluid loss, reducing your risk of dehydration and kidney stones.

Stay out of the warmth throughout the hottest a part of the day, and seek shade or air-con. Take advantage of the pools or the ocean to chill off.