India, Dec. 15 -- While winter brings concerns like flu and cold-related illnesses, many overlook a silent health risk: kidney stones. Reduced thirst in colder months often leads to lower water intake, which can cause an increase in the concentration of minerals like calcium and oxalate in the urine, thereby increasing the likelihood of stone formation. Combined with habits like drinking more tea or coffee and consuming salty or high-protein foods, winter dehydration becomes a hidden trigger for kidney issues. In India, kidney stones affect approximately 5-10% of the population, and their formation can be a gradual process, often manifesting symptoms only when the stones become large.

"Cold weather reduces our natural thirst response, an...