Dehydration linked to development of kidney stones

If you have a history of kidney stones, make sure you stay hydrated during the hot Arizona summer.

A local urologist said becoming dehydrated in the triple digit temperatures can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

“It will clearly affect patients who already have kidney stones, and may in fact cause kidney stones in those patients who are dehydrated,” said Dr. David Grossklaus, a urologist who works at Banner Baywood Medical Center and at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. “When it’s hotter, that four to five glasses [of water] a day is not enough, so they really need to drink more.”

Grossklaus said the number of glasses people need to drink depends on how active they are, but he added there is an important guideline people should follow to measure their hydration.

“You should be urinating every few hours,” Grossklaus said. “If you have formed stones in the past, [you should be] drinking enough water so that you’re urinating one time per night.”

In addition to hydrating with water, Grossklaus said those with a high risk of kidney stones should avoid iced tea and colas as well as high volumes of nuts and salt. He said the more active you are, the more you should be hydrating.