A recent study shows who is at risk for kidney stones and why. It’s a lengthy study, so I thought I would summarize it and save you time. 🙂
Abstract Summary
Introduction
Kidney stones, a common urological condition, have been recognized since ancient times. Despite advances, the global prevalence of kidney stones is increasing, influenced by factors like diet, climate, and systemic diseases. The disease’s burden is also rising, with significant healthcare costs.
Prevalence
Recent studies show a worldwide increase in kidney stone prevalence, with significant variations based on geographic location, diet, and socio-economic status. Developed countries report higher rates due to dietary habits and better detection methods. The overall prevalence in the US has risen. Internationally, prevalence rates vary significantly, with notable increases in Asia, reflecting lifestyle and dietary habits changes.
Incidence
The incidence of kidney stones is on the rise, with data from the US and Europe indicating increases in both adults and children. Factors contributing to this increase include dietary habits, obesity, and possibly global warming.
Age and Gender
Kidney stone prevalence increases with age, and men are more affected than women. However, the gender gap is narrowing, with women showing a higher increase in prevalence in recent years (I can attest to this fact as my practice is getting many more females calling for a consultation, but that could also be because women are more proactive in their healthcare…or a bit of both).
Pediatric Population
Unfortunately, there’s a notable increase in kidney stones among children and adolescents, particularly in the US. Female adolescents are more likely to be hospitalized for KS, reflecting a gender-specific trend in the pediatric population. Again, I can attest from my client base that more parents are calling me. So much of this is due to diet. Lowering salt and added sugar is vital for kids with kidney stones. Add to this the need to meet daily fluid and calcium goals and you’ve got a big task on your hands. Learn what the Kidney Stone Diet is and how it can help.
Race and Ethnicity
Racial and ethnic differences in kidney stone prevalence are evident, with non-Hispanic whites typically showing the highest rates. However, recent data suggest changing patterns across different racial groups.
Occupation
Certain occupations, especially those involving work in hot climates or exposure to renal toxins, have been linked to a higher risk of kidney stones. I get many truck drivers, teachers, pilots, nurses, construction workers, etc, in my practice—people who work outside in hot regions and or people who do not have flexible bathroom access.
Climate and Geography
Climate plays a significant role in kidney stone development, with warmer temperatures associated with higher incidence rates. The Southeastern US, known as the “stone belt,” has the highest prevalence, which might increase further due to global warming.
Kidney Stones and Systemic Diseases
Kidney stones are associated with systemic diseases like obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). These associations highlight the multifactorial nature of kidney stones and the shared risk factors between kidney stones and other systemic conditions. I also see kidney stones in bariatric patients and bowel disease patients. However, this study did not list malabsorption issues, which I found surprising.
Stone Composition and Recurrence
Calcium-containing stones (calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate) are the most common type worldwide. The composition of stones can influence the risk of recurrence, with uric acid and specific rare stones associated with a higher rate of symptomatic recurrence.
Risk Factors for Nephrolithiasis
Dietary factors, including fluid intake, dietary calcium, oxalate, sodium, and protein, and urinary risk factors like calciuria, oxaluria, and low urinary volume, play crucial roles in kidney stone risk. The Kidney Stone Diet can help lower kidney stone risk; my words, not theirs. They cite the DASH diet as helping lower kidney stone risk, but the Kidney Stone Diet is more thorough as it has the oxalate component; the DASH diet does not. Those who did the DASH diet showed an increase in urine oxalate. The Kidney Stone Diet is the DASH diet with the oxalate component, critical to lowering calcium oxalate stone risk.
Conclusions
The prevalence and incidence of kidney stones are increasing globally, posing challenges for healthcare systems. Changes in dietary habits, climate change, and the association with systemic diseases underline the complexity of kidney stone management. Prevention strategies focusing on diet and lifestyle modificationsare crucial to addressing this growing health issue.
Want to lower your kidney stone risk through dietary management? Join me in my Group Calls or for a Private Consultation. Kidney stones CAN be prevented!
Your friend and advocate,
Jill
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