Patient's question:
After the removal of stones, it is common to experience recurrence every year during the freezing and autumn seasons.Doctor's answer:
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys and ureters are symmetrically arranged along the body's midline. After urine is produced in the kidneys, it is transported through the ureters, bladder, and urethra for excretion. Stones that form in this system are known as urinary tract stones, also referred to as urolithiasis. Urinary tract stones are one of the most common urological diseases, with a higher prevalence in males than females, approximately 4 to 5:1. The exact formation mechanism is not fully understood, and various theories exist. The recurrence rate is high, and there is currently no highly effective preventive method for most stones. Urolithiasis has a regional distribution, being more common in southern China (south of the Yangtze River) and less prevalent in the north. Over the past three decades, the incidence of upper urinary tract (kidney and ureter) stones has significantly increased, while lower urinary tract (bladder) stones have become less common. Among bladder stones, primary stones are more prevalent than secondary stones. In the past decade, there have been rapid advancements in the treatment of urinary tract stones, with approximately 90% of cases no longer requiring traditional open surgery.Recommendations:
1. Identify high-risk groups for urinary tract stones. Generally, individuals such as managers, healthcare workers, chefs, firefighters, and ship engineers are more prone to developing urinary stones. The main risk factors or causes are often related to the following:
- Good economic conditions
- High-protein diets
- Low fluid intake
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Frequent sweating
- Dehydration
- Difficulty urinating
- Irregular eating habits
Therefore, it is important to drink more water daily, maintaining a fluid intake of 2,000 to 3,000 milliliters. The normal urine output for adults should be at least 2,000 milliliters per 24 hours. Additionally, drinking a glass of water before bed can effectively reduce the risk of urinary tract stones.
2. Pay attention to dietary choices in the summer. Many people have poor appetites during the summer and prefer lighter meals. Therefore, a simple and nutritious diet is recommended, such as consuming more porridge, which not only provides hydration but also aids digestion. Below are a few simple recipes for porridge that may help reduce the risk of urinary tract stones:
- White Mulberry Root Porridge:
- Prepare 30g of white mulberry root.
- Roast 30g of glutinous rice until golden.
- Add a small amount of rock sugar.
- Boil the white mulberry root to extract the juice, then add the glutinous rice and cook into porridge.
- Add a spoonful of rock sugar once it cools slightly.
- Pteris Aquilina and Coix Seed Porridge:
- 30g of pteris aquilina and 90g of coix seed.
- Add an appropriate amount of brown sugar.
- Boil the pteris aquilina to extract 1 bowl of juice, then mix with 3 bowls of coix seed.
- Add brown sugar to taste.
- Chinese Yam Porridge:
- 60-100g of Chinese yam, 30g of poria, and 10-15g of burdock root.
- Add 100g of rice.
- First, cook the Chinese yam, poria, and burdock root, then extract the juice and mix with the rice to cook into porridge.
- Sea Cucumber Porridge:
- 50g of prepared or fresh sea cucumber and 100g of rice.
- Soak the sea cucumber, clean it, and slice it.
- Cook the slices with the rice until tender.
- Add optional seasonings like scallions, shrimp skin, or dried shrimp for flavor.
Many people prefer to drink beverages in the summer, but it is important to note that some drinks should not be consumed frequently. It is recommended to drink more orange juice, blackberry juice, and lemon water, as they contain citrate, which can help dissolve stones. Avoid caffeine, black tea, grape juice, apple juice, and cola.
Lifestyle Tips:
In daily life, pay attention to dietary restrictions, regulate habits, exercise regularly, and maintain a high quality of life.