A 20 percent increase in cases of acute renal colic have been reported of late, indicating that a growing number of Taiwanese people are suffering from ureteral stones. To keep this disease at bay, doctors advise that one should drink at least two liters of water each day in the heat of summer.

More and more people go to the hospital this month complaining of severe pain in the loins, and no matter how they change their postures, the pain just doesnt alleviate. And it turns out that they are all victims of renal colic, caused by ureteral stones.

Doctors say that a 20 to 30 percent increase in renal colic patients has been reported this summer, and insufficient water intake is a common explanation for their problem.

So whats the doctor's advice? Stay hydrated. In the intense heat of summer, one should at least drink one liter of water per day, and for those who spend their days mostly outdoors, such as mailman and manual laborers, the frequency of sipping water should be even higher. Whether you like it or not, always keeping a bottle of water within reach may be one of the wisest things you can do at this time of the year.