Tips to protect your kidney health
Dr Pawan Rahangdale
The recent surge in the kidney stone cases among young adults during the colder months is linked to dehydration, poor diet, and lifestyle habits. It is necessary for young adults to take charge of their kidney health and improve the well-being. Here, the expert gives some pivotal tips to protect the kidneys.
As temperatures drops, there can be a spike in kidney stone cases in younger adults aged 20-40. Once considered as an older person’s disease, kidney stones are now becoming common in the younger population because of changing lifestyles and dietary habits. Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys when substances like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid concentrate in the urine and crystallize. These stones tend to block the urinary tract, causing severe pain, infection, or kidney damage if left untreated.
The causes
Can be low water intake, high salt and protein diets, excessive tea, coffee, or soft drink consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle. Many youngsters tend to skip meals, rely on processed foods, and consume high-protein diets without balancing hydration. Long sitting hours and inadequate physical activity also contribute to poor kidney function. Even winter dehydration makes the urine more acidic, increasing the risk of kidney stones.
The symptoms
Sharp pain in the back or lower abdomen, burning while urinating, blood in urine, nausea, or frequent urge to urinate. If kidney stones are not treated at the right time then they can grow in size and cause urinary infections and kidney damage.
Treatment is based on their size and location of the stones. So, small stones often pass naturally with increased fluid intake and pain relief. Larger stones may need medical procedures like lithotripsy (shock wave therapy) or endoscopic removal. In severe cases, minimally invasive surgery may be required to restore kidney function.
Tips to prevent kidney stones
Youngsters should stay hydrated by drinking at least three litres of water, limit salt intake, processed foods, eat fresh fruits vegetables, include citrus fruits and fiber help reduce stone formation. Make sure to avoid sugary and carbonated drinks which increase the chances of kidney stones. Exercise daily to improve the metabolism and even the kidney health.
It is imperative for youngsters to pay attention to their kidneys and ensure they function properly. Ignoring the kidney health is a strict no-no. So, get going and follow these tips right away!
Dr Pawan Rahangdale, Consultant Urologist,
Apollo Spectra Hospital, Pune
