Kidney stones are a common but extremely painful problem. People who suffer from them often report that the pain is excruciating. They not only affect daily life but also sometimes lead to hospitalization. Statistics show that a significant number of people experience this problem at some point in their lives, and in many cases, it can recur.
In this regard, doctors always recommend drinking plenty of water. It is believed that drinking adequate amounts of water dilutes urine, preventing minerals from clumping together to form stones. However, the problem is that most people are unable to maintain this habit for long. To understand this, a large study was recently conducted, conducted by the Urinary Stone Disease Research Network and coordinated by the Duke Clinical Research Institute. This research was published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet, further enhancing its credibility.
This study included a total of 1,658 participants, including both adolescents and adults, from six major medical centers in the United States. The aim of the research was to determine whether specific motivation to drink more water could prevent kidney stone recurrence. Participants were divided into two groups. One group received general advice, while the other was enrolled in a specialized “hydration program.” This program included features like smart bottles, reminder messages, personalized targets, and coaching to encourage people to drink more water.
The study, which lasted nearly two years, found that those who followed the program did increase their water intake, but this increase was not enough to completely reduce the risk of kidney stone recurrence. Researchers say the real challenge is getting people to maintain this habit over the long term. Even if people understand the benefits and receive support, it’s still not easy to drink more water daily. Furthermore, it was revealed that the same target may not be appropriate for everyone. Many factors like body structure, lifestyle, weather and health condition determine the amount of water one needs.