Preventing kidney stones during winter: How changes in weather and hydration habits impact kidney health

With the winter season starting in December and ending in February, these extreme weather conditions lead to people often falling sick because of low metabolism and reduced immunity. One such health condition which affects the body during winter is kidney stones. It gets formed when urine gets concentrated and allows minerals and salt to crystallize, eventually leading to kidney stones.


Generally, kidney stones do not cause symptoms until they reach the ureters, the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder. Once a stone enters the ureters, it can cause severe pain, block urine flow, and lead to kidney swelling. Passing kidney stones through ureters can be extremely painful, but timely diagnosis and treatment can help minimize complications and support recovery. Symptoms of kidney stones may vary based on the severity of the condition.


Here are a few common symptoms:

● Sharp pain below the ribs
● Fluctuating pain near the abdomen area
● Pain or burning sensation while urinating
● Vomiting
● Pink, red or brown urine
● Fever


Reasons for developing kidney stones are:

● Low metabolism: Reduced physical activity in winter causes low metabolism, eventually leading to weight gain and increasing the chances of developing kidney stones.
● Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency or limited exposure to sunlight also elevates the risk of developing kidney stones.
● Poor diet: Consumption of foods that are high in sodium, animal protein like red meat and seafood, and rich in oxalates like – spinach, seeds and grains, can lead to kidney stone formation.
● Dehydration: During the winter season, people often feel less thirsty, thereby reducing their water intake. This can inadvertently contribute to kidney stone formation.


Diagnosis and Treatment for kidney stones:
● Primarily, a patient’s medical history is considered. Based on that, doctors may recommend blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests for accurate results.
● After analysis, treatment options like pain relievers, ureteroscope, shock wave lithotripsy – sound waves that break stones into smaller pieces and medications which help in preventing stone formation are suggested based on the severity of the condition.




Prevention for kidney stones:

● Hydration: Hydration is important for kidney stone prevention. Water dilutes urine concentration, which helps prevent the crystallization of minerals. During the winter months, drinking 8–10 glasses of water daily helps in removing the toxins from the body. Herbal teas and soups can also help prevent kidney stones.
● Balanced diet: Incorporating a healthy balanced diet by replacing animal protein with plant-based protein like beans, chickpeas, soymilk, and tofu. Consuming citrus fruits like lemon and orange helps in the prevention of kidney stone formation.
● Physical activities: Engaging in 30 minutes of exercise like walking, cycling, and running will significantly improve kidney function.


Preventing kidney stones in winter requires an understanding of the unique challenges of the season and taking proactive steps to maintain kidney health. Following a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in physical activities minimize the risk of kidney stone formation and help in maintaining overall well-being during winter seasons.

(Dr. Dilip Dhanpal, MBBS, MS General Surgery, MCh Urology/Genito-Urinary Surgery, urologist and urological surgeon, Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Bangalore)