For a long time, researchers have studied the effects of variables such as milk, meat, soy protein, caffeine, salt and vitamin C as far as kidney stone formation is concerned. A soldier who develops kidney stones is as good as getting shot in the leg since he is taken out of combat due to the unbearable he has to endure. Soldiers often do get dehydrated which happens to be the main cause for kidney stones formation. Soldiers also tend to take in fewer calories than they spend and drink less water in order to urinate less often. It's hard for soldiers to eat or go to the bathroom while bullets are flying at them. Being alive is more important than preventing kidney stones for them. Dehydration, coupled with not eating enough during their rigorous days, makes soldiers' urine more concentrated and more acidic that eventually results in higher levels of calcium oxalate and uric acid responsible for the formation of kidney stones. Soldiers rely on caffeine to keep them awake during long days in combat, and caffeine is known to increase urinary calcium, all these factors makes them more prone to kidney stone formation. Because o this, researchers recommend a diet of moderation, variety and balance, which means no eating too much of a certain type of food, eating a variety of foods that provide similar nutritional benefits, and having a balanced intake of all the food groups. Since staying hydrated helps prevent kidney stones, drinking at least eight glasses of water a day is highly recommended, though for soldiers in combat, these dieting tips are hard to follow. Soldiers don't get fresh fruits or green vegetables out in the field, but they can substitute them with special nutrition supplements. Magnesium-potassium-citrate supplements are beneficial for preventing kidney stones. Magnesium can be found naturally in foods such as whole grains and green vegetables; fruits, vegetables and legumes are rich in potassium; and citrate is found in most citrus fruits and juices. Researchers are also in the process of adapting military field rations so that soldiers are no longer prone to kidney stone formation.
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