Patient's question:
After stone surgery, it often recurs every year in the freezing autumn season.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 male-to-female ratio of approximately 4 to 5:1. The exact formation mechanism is not fully understood, and multiple theories exist. These stones have a high recurrence rate, and currently, there is no highly effective preventive method for most types of stones. The incidence of urolithiasis varies geographically and is more common in southern China than 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 prevalent. Among bladder stones, primary stones are more common than secondary stones. In recent years, there have been rapid advancements in the treatment of urinary tract stones, with approximately 90% of cases no longer requiring traditional open surgery.Advice:
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, inability to urinate normally, irregular eating habits, and more. 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 bedtime can effectively reduce the risk of urinary tract stones.
2. Pay attention to dietary choices in the summer. Many people are less inclined to eat during the summer due to poor appetite. Therefore, a light diet with plenty of porridge is beneficial for hydration and digestion. Below are simple recipes for several types of porridge that may help reduce the risk of urinary tract stones:
(1) White Mulberry Root Porridge: Prepare 30g of white mulberry root, roast 30g of glutinous rice until golden, and 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 the porridge is warm.
(2) Bent Grass Coix Seed Porridge: Use 30g of bent grass and 90g of coix seed, with an appropriate amount of brown sugar. Boil the bent grass to extract 1 bowl of juice and the coix seed to extract 3 bowls of juice. Mix the two juices and add brown sugar to taste.
(3) Chinese Yam Porridge: Use 60-100g of Chinese yam, 30g of poria, and 10-15g of burdock root, along with 100g of rice. First, cook the Chinese yam, poria, and burdock root, then extract the juice and mix it with the rice to cook into porridge.
(4) Sea Cucumber Porridge: Use 50g of prepared or fresh sea cucumber, along with 100g of rice. Soak the sea cucumber, clean it, slice it, and cook it until tender with the rice. You can also add other seasonings like scallions, shrimp skin, or shrimp paste to enhance the flavor.
Many people prefer to drink beverages in the summer, but it is important to note that some may not be suitable for frequent consumption. It is recommended to drink more orange juice, blackberry juice, and lemon water, as they contain citrate, which can help dissolve stones. Avoid beverages high in caffeine, black tea, grape juice, apple juice, and cola.
Lifestyle Tips:
In daily life, pay attention to dietary restrictions, maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, and ensure a good quality of life.