How does age affect the kidneys and bladder? (1)
As the body ages, changes occur in the kidneys and bladder that can affect their proper functioning:
- The most common changes observed in the kidneys are: a smaller amount of renal tissue, fewer nephrons (nephrons filter waste material from the blood), and hardening of the blood vessels leading to the kidney.
- In the bladder, the changes that occur with age are: the bladder tissue becomes less elastic, meaning it can no longer hold as much urine as before, and the bladder muscles weaken, which can lead to a blockage of the urethra.
- However, this should not be a concern, as in a healthy aging person, kidney function will remain normal.
At what age are kidney stone cases most common? (2), (3)
Nephrolithiasis (more commonly known as kidney stones or renal calculi) is a very common pathology in industrialized countries, affecting more than 12% of the population before the age of 70.
Regarding age, various studies show that the number of patients with lithiasis under 30 or over 70 years of age is actually low. According to the Spanish Association of Urology, the average age for suffering from lithiasis disease is 38.
However, it has been shown that the clinical characteristics of each patient affect this age of onset. For example, in patients with a family history, the average age is 32, in patients with recurrent disease it is 37, patients with monoepisodic disease it is 43, those with a metabolic alteration it is 39, and in patients with no family history it is 40.
How to prevent kidney stones?
To prevent this disease, it is necessary to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, drink plenty of fluids (the more water, the better), and follow an adequate diet, which can be supplemented with the consumption of food supplements such as Lit-Control pH Up, Lit-Control pH Down and Lit Control pH Balance which will help regulate urinary pH.
Don't forget to consult your doctor for appropriate follow-up.
Sources: (1)
https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/004010.htm (2)
https://www.actualidadmedica.es/archivo/2015/796/or01.html (3)
