Kidney stone epidemic sweeps America: Millions more face agony unless they follow a simple fix doctors swear by
dailymail.co.uk • • health
Key Points:
- Kidney stones, once mainly affecting middle-aged individuals, are increasingly common among people in their 20s and 30s, with 11% of men and 9% of women now developing them, up from 4% in the 1970s.
- The rise is linked to modern diets high in salt and ultra-processed foods, decreased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and increased intake of sugary drinks that concentrate urine and promote stone formation.
- Kidney stones cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting due to crystals forming in the urinary system, especially when stones block the narrow ureter, leading to intense discomfort and emergency hospital visits.
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyles contribute to kidney stone risk by altering urine chemistry, while physical activity and dietary changes—such as reducing salt, increasing water intake, and eating potassium- and citrate-rich foods—can help prevent stones.
- The trend toward more kidney stones is largely reversible through lifestyle modifications, including drinking plenty of water, reducing processed food consumption, and maintaining regular exercise.
