Wellness and nephrolithiasis

Abstract

“Wellness” is a philosophy of life that has been increasingly successful in economically developed countries, as a response to lifestyles that have obvious negative consequences on the health of the population. It is based on a constant physical activity, a balanced diet and a positive mental approach. The adoption of this lifestyle could also have a positive impact on the prevention of kidney stones. According to the latest findings, a balancing of the content in lipids, proteins and carbohydrates of the diet with low intake of salt, saturated fat, simple carbohydrates (sugar) and cholesterol and an increased intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is highly desirable in renal stone patients. However the consumption of whole grains, vegetables and fruits should be modulated in order to avoid an excessive intake of oxalate and fructose. Regular and moderate exercise has the prerequisites for a positive effect in reducing the risk of kidney stone formation, although at the time the epidemiologic evidence of this positive effect remains weak. The capacity to adapt to stressful events of daily life could have a favorable effect on the risk of forming kidney stones as the amount of stressful events proved to be greater in patients with kidney stones.