Did you know that chronic stress not only affects your mental health, but can also influence the formation of kidney stones? Although factors such as diet and hydration are known triggers, recent studies indicate that stress could also be a risk factor. 1
Stress can indirectly contribute to kidney stone formation due to the following factors:
1. Dehydration
Stress can decrease water intake, increasing the concentration of minerals in the urine, which favors crystallization and the formation of kidney stones.2
2. Hormonal changes
Stress generates an increase in cortisol that affects the body's mineral and acid-base balance, which influences urinary pH, a key factor in stone formation.1
3. An unhealthy lifestyle
During periods of stress, people tend to adopt unhealthy habits, such as increased consumption of caffeine, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, and less physical activity, which exacerbates the problem. 2,3
Therefore, if you are experiencing a period of stress and want to avoid kidney stones, remember:
- Drink enough water: Hydration dilutes minerals in the urine and reduces the risk of stones.
- Manage stress: Practice techniques such as meditation, moderate exercise, deep breathing, and yoga.
- Watch your diet: Reduce your intake of salt, sugar, and animal proteins. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber. If you want a more specific diet, consult our nutritionist specializing in lithiasis.
- Maintain a balanced urinary pH: Urine pH directly influences the type of stones that can form. To help maintain a healthy urinary pH and prevent stone recurrence, there are food supplements specifically developed as part of clinical treatment. The Lit-Control® range from Devicare offers three specific solutions:
Formulated to maintain urinary pH within physiological ranges. Ideal for patients with calcium oxalate stones or who do not know the composition of their stones.
Alkalizes urine to prevent the formation of uric acid and cystine stones.
Reduces urinary pH to inhibit the formation of struvite stones and limit the proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract.
In conclusion, therefore, we can affirm that emotional stress can have a real impact on your kidney health. Staying hydrated, following a balanced diet, properly managing stress, and controlling urine pH are key to preventing stone formation.
The Lit-Control® line from Devicare is an excellent complementary support for people prone to kidney lithiasis, offering an innovative solution based on clinical evidence.
References
*1 Healthline. (2023). Can stress cause kidney stones? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/can-stress-cause-kidney-stones
*2 Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Kidney stones - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones
*3 Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Kidney stones. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15604-kidney-stones
