u/be_sugary

Activists try to deliver aid to Palestinians in homes besieged by Israeli settlers.

Activists? Or just people who are looking to ease the pain of their fellow human.

Mother jailed for killing baby by burning her with a hairdryer

And that’s the power of the people!

Kirandeep Kaur: 'The big sister who was my world'

This is such a tragedy. Can’t imagine what her last moments were like.

I hope justice is done. The family seem financially dependent on her too.
Really sad.
Her poor hubby and lil baby.
Rest in peace Kirandeep. 🙏💖

India has one of the highest rates of kidney stones in the world. The "kidney stone belt" stretches across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, UP, and Bihar. Peak season for stone attacks in these states is April to July. This is not a coincidence.

Why summer specifically triggers kidney stones:

The mechanism is straightforward. In 45 degree heat, you can lose 2 liters of water just sitting in a poorly ventilated room, and far more if you are outdoors or working manually. If you are not replacing this through water intake, your urine becomes highly concentrated. When urine is concentrated, the mineral content crosses the solubility threshold and crystals begin to form. This is the starting point of a kidney stone.

Who is most at risk in Indian summer:

- Outdoor workers: farmers, construction workers, delivery people, traffic police

- Anyone living without consistent air conditioning

- People who rely on sugary drinks, lemon soda (nimbu pani with sugar and salt), or packaged juices to hydrate (these are not adequate substitutes for water)

- Those who fast during Navratri or other religious observances without increasing water intake

- Anyone who has had a stone before. Recurrence risk is 50% within 10 years even with stone treatment

The most dangerous misconception in Indian households:

Many families believe that drinking cold water in summer can cause illness, so they restrict water intake or boil and cool it to room temperature before drinking. The temperature of the water does not matter for stone prevention. What matters is the volume. You need to be drinking enough that your urine is pale yellow or clear, not dark or orange.

What to drink:

- Plain water is best. Aim for 3 to 3.5 liters per day in peak summer, more if you are outdoors.

- Nimbu pani (fresh lemon in water) is genuinely protective. The citric acid from lemon converts to potassium citrate in the body, which is a proven stone inhibitor. Just use minimal sugar and salt.

- Coconut water is acceptable and beneficial due to its potassium content.

- Avoid colas and packaged drinks: phosphoric acid in colas directly promotes stone formation, and the sodium and sugar in most packaged drinks worsen your urinary chemistry.

When to see a urologist urgently:

- Severe pain in the back or side (flank), especially if it comes in waves

- Pain radiating to the groin or inner thigh

- Blood in the urine (can be visible as pink/red or detected on a dipstick test)

- Fever above 38 degrees with any of the above (this is a medical emergency - infected obstructed kidney can become life-threatening within hours)

For those in NCR (Gurgaon/Delhi), I see patients at a urology practice here. But honestly, the most important thing is that you know when to go to any urologist and what to ask for. If you have recurrent stones, ask specifically for a 24-hour urine metabolic test. Most urologists in India do not routinely order this test. It will show exactly which imbalance in your urine chemistry is causing your stones.

Ask any questions in the comments.