Kidney stones on rise in US
Feb 16, 2018, 12:36 PM | Updated: 8:37 pm
(CNN) – A new study finds kidney stones are on the rise in the U.S.
The study published in the Journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, found kidney stones may be increasing among both men and women in the U.S.
Young women, ages 18 to 39, had the highest increase in cases from 1984 to 2012.
Kidney stones are relatively common and affect about 10 percent of people at some point in their lives.
They are painful and can cause, “renal colic,” that comes in waves and spreads from the lower back to the inner thigh.
Most kidney stones are made up of calcium salts, including calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.
To reduce the chance of getting kidney stones, stay hydrated and reduce sodium intake, doctors recommend. Heavy exercise and any activity that cause heavy sweating can lead to kidney stones.
It’s also important to get the calcium you need. Getting too little calcium in your diet can cause oxalate levels to rise and cause kidney stones.