Kidney expert Dr Vijay Kher warns: Hydration is key in ‘stone season’
Summers can also be “stone season” — the time of year when cases of painful kidney stones spike due to increased dehydration. Nephrologist, Dr Vijay Kher, speaks to First Check on the importance of hydration
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As temperatures climb across the country, it also heralds the arrival of what many doctors call “stone season” — the time of year when cases of painful kidney stones spike due to increased dehydration. The Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology had estimated that during summers, “there is a sharp increase in the number of cases of kidney stones in India, increasing at the rate of roughly 40%,” with the highest increase among younger people.
First Check spoke to Dr Vijay Kher, a renowned nephrologist with over 40 years of experience, to understand what you can do to keep your kidneys safe this summer.
Kidney stone cases spike during summers
Dr Kher, who currently works as the Chairman of Nephrology and Kidney transplant at Epitome Kidney Urology Institute & Lions Hospital in New Delhi, said that kidney stone cases typically increase by 20% during summer months.
“When people don’t drink enough water in hot weather, their urine becomes more concentrated, creating an ideal environment for kidney stone formation,” Dr Kher said. “We see this pattern every year when temperatures rise,” he added.
The human body maintains a steady temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit under normal conditions, but hot weather challenges this balance. When body temperature rises, sweating helps cool the system — but at a cost.
“Our bodies use water for temperature regulation, especially in summer,” he said. “Every drop of sweat represents water loss that must be replaced, or dehydration quickly follows.”
Hydration is the key to healthy kidneys during summers
Health officials recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water daily during summer, with additional intake needed during outdoor activities or exercise. Water’s importance extends beyond preventing kidney stones. This becomes particularly evident during extreme heat.
Public health officials in several states have launched campaigns promoting proper hydration as temperatures climb above 90 degrees Fahrenheit in many regions.
“Water is used to detox the body and regulate temperature,” explained Dr. Kher, who’s also worked as an emergency medicine physician treating heat-related illnesses. “When we sweat to cool down, we’re losing water that must be replaced. Otherwise, dehydration affects all bodily functions, including our ability to maintain safe internal temperatures.”
Dr Kher recommends carrying water bottles everywhere during summer months and not waiting until thirst develops to drink.
“Thirst is actually a late indicator of dehydration,” he said. “By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already experiencing mild dehydration.”
For those struggling to consume enough water, experts suggest infusing water with fruits, setting phone reminders, or using marked water bottles to track intake.
Children and older adults face particular risks during hot weather. Schools participating in summer programs have implemented “water breaks” alongside traditional recess periods.
Medical authorities warn that severe dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion or potentially fatal heat stroke, especially when temperatures exceed 95 degrees.
“Prevention is key,” Dr Kher said. “Drinking water consistently throughout the day, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and recognizing early warning signs like headaches or dizziness can prevent serious medical emergencies.”