Kidney stones are on the rise

U.S. researchers found the number of Americans with kidney stones more than doubled from 1994 to the period of 2007 to 2010. Charles Scales of the University of California, Los Angeles, analyzed national health survey data and found about 1-in-20 people had kidney stones in 1994; but by 2007 to 2010, it was 1-in-11. "Obesity, diabetes and gout were all strongly associated with having kidney stones," Scales said in a statement. "This is very important, because all these conditions are preventable, and directly related to diet and lifestyle." For obesity, diabetes and gout, weight control is crucial, Scales said. For kidney stones, Scales recommends drinking plenty of fluids, and having a balanced diet low in sodium and animal protein, but with a moderate amount of calcium, the researchers said. The study was presented at a meeting of the American Urological Society.