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SALT LAKE CITY — Hot temperatures may be part of the reason more people in the United States are getting kidney stones. Dehydration is a big factor in the cause of kidney stones, said Dr. Joshua Stern, a urologist with Intermountain Health.
Stern said the southern and southwestern U.S. are known as the "kidney stone belt" because the stones are so prevalent in those areas. The hot climate and dehydration are to blame, according to Stern.
About 10% of the country's population has had a kidney stone. Utah's rates are about average for the nation. Once you've had one, there's a 50/50 chance they'll come back, said Stern.
Kidney stone prevention
Stern said age isn't a factor in kidney stone causes, but diabetes and obesity can put you at a higher risk.
"It's all about the amount of water versus the amount of electrolytes that can become a stone and precipitate," said Stern.
It's hard to prevent them, but drinking water, consuming less salt, and eating more fruits and vegetables can decrease your risk. Stern said medical professionals encourage more hydration and recommended between 60 and 90 ounces of hydrating fluids per day.
