Causes For Kidney Stones

The urinary tract comprises the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. As the body metabolizes protein, a waste product called urea is formed. Urea is then mixed with water and salts from the body to form urine. The urine is produced in the kidneys and travels through the ureters to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine until you urinate. During urination, the urine travels through the urethra and exits your body.

Kidney stones are painful crystalline formations that occur in the urinary tract. They can form when the balance of water, salts, and minerals changes. The type of kidney stone a patient develops depends on these changes.

There are four main types of kidney stones-

Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stone. They occur when the body has high calcium levels. Certain medical conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism, can increase the risk of developing this type of kidney stone.

Limiting the amount of calcium oxalate-rich foods, such as chocolate, peanuts, potato chips, spinach, and beets, can reduce your risk of developing calcium stones.

Cystine stones are less common; however, they do occur. This type of stone is formed when too much cysteine is found in the urine. This condition is often the result of heredity. Cystine stones tend to run in families. Since this type of stone is based on heredity, there is little you can do to prevent the formation of these stones. However, researchers are now discovering that drinking approximately 4 liters of water daily and alkalizing the urine pH can help prevent cystine stones from forming. Additionally, alkalizing drinks, such as mineral water and citrus juice, and avoiding sodium can help lower the risk.

Struvite stones occur when the urinary tract (UTI) or kidneys become infected. They can be significant, and antibiotics and the removal of kidney stones are often necessary. Because women are at a high risk of developing UTIs, more women suffer from this type of kidney stone.

Several things can be done to help reduce the risk of struvite stones. Primarily, UTIs should be promptly treated with antibiotics to lower the risk of developing struvite stones. Additionally, proper wiping techniques should be utilized.

Uric acid is a waste produced in the body; however, too much uric acid can cause kidney stones to develop. Several things can increase the risk of developing a uric acid stone, including a diet rich in animal protein, low urine output, drinking too much alcohol, gout, and digestive issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease. This type of kidney stone can be avoided by limiting the amount of animal protein, especially red meat. Additionally, limit the amount of alcohol you consume and increase the amount of water you drink. 

Kidney stones are quite common. These stones form when the delicate balance within the urinary tract becomes disrupted due to dehydration, digestive issues, and food choices. Whether you suffer from kidney stones already or want to prevent them, drink plenty of fluids, eat a sensible diet, use good wiping habits, and limit the amount of alcohol you consume.