Kidney Stone: Does drinking less water cause kidney stones?

Nowadays the problem of kidney stones is increasing rapidly all over the world. Experts believe that one of the main reasons for this is lack of water in the body i.e. dehydration.

Nowadays, the problem of kidney stones is increasing rapidly all over the world. Experts believe that one of the main reasons for this is lack of water in the body i.e. dehydration. When the body does not get enough water as per its requirement, it can cause many health problems, among which the risk of kidney stones is the most prominent.

Kidney stones are actually solid deposits of minerals and salts that get deposited in the kidneys. They can range from small sand particles to the size of a large golf ball. When the concentration of minerals in the urine becomes high, then this accumulation begins. In this condition, minerals like calcium, oxalate and uric acid start taking solid form and due to lack of water, they turn into kidney stones.

How does drinking less water increase the risk of kidney stones?

According to Dr. Ankit Sharma, Urology Specialist, Manipal Hospital (Pune), when there is a lack of water in the body, the amount of urine decreases and the urine becomes more concentrated. This concentrated urine contains high amounts of minerals like calcium, oxalate and uric acid, which cause the formation of kidney stones. If not taken care of on time, these small crystals can turn into large stones, which can cause pain and other problems.

When dehydrated, the concentration of urine increases, which starts the process of crystallization and increases the possibility of kidney stone formation. This causes pain in the body, blood in urine and frequent urination.

How can drinking water prevent kidney stones?

If you drink enough water, it dilutes the minerals and salts present in the urine, which reduces the chances of kidney stone formation. Therefore, it is important to drink enough water throughout the day, especially in summer or after physical activity. Dr. Sandeep Mandal, Nephrologist at Manipal Hospital, Gurgaon, says that the body needs at least 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day. Drinking enough water keeps the urine diluted and greatly reduces the chances of kidney stone formation.

What is the treatment for kidney stones?

The treatment of kidney stones depends on the size and type of stone. Small stones can be passed naturally through urine without any surgery, for which drinking more water is recommended. Whereas, for larger stones, procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) are done.

Disclaimer: Dear reader, thank you for reading this news. This news has been written only to make you aware. We have taken the help of general information in writing this. If you read anything related to your health anywhere, then definitely consult a doctor before adopting it.