Introduction

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form within the kidneys when calcium, oxalate and other organic substances combine with excess amounts of certain minerals. Each year more than a million people in the US visit their doctor as they experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, and difficulty urinating, as well as other uncomfortable symptoms that can only be attributed to having a kidney stone. Knowing the causes and risk factors associated with kidney stones can help you take steps to prevent the pain and suffering that they can bring.

Dietary Factors

Most dietary risk factors for kidney stones can be attributed to the body’s inability to always position itself with proper hydration levels. For instance, not drinking enough fluids can dangerously increase the concentration of certain minerals such as calcium and oxalate, leading to crystallization of these substances as kidney stones. Also, high levels of animal protein, sodium, and refined sugars can cause dehydration, and raise the levels of these same substances in the urine, thereby increasing the risk for kidney stones.

In addition to these dietary factors, many people are unaware of the acid-base balance in their diet and its potential influence on the development of kidney stones. An overly acidic diet, which can occur from eating too many processed and red meat products, can increase the likelihood of kidney stones since it increases the solubility of certain minerals, resulting in their accumulation in the kidneys.

Lifestyle and Genetics

Though poor diet and dehydration are arguably the most common contributing factors to the formation of kidney stones, certain lifestyle habits can also increase the risk. For example, individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle may be just as likely to develop kidney stones as people who are overweight or obese. Additionally, people who experience recurring urinary infections may also be at an increased risk.

Finally, while lifestyle and diet are known to contribute to the development of kidney stones, genetics and certain medical conditions can also be culprits. Those with a family history of kidney stones may be more prone to forming them, as certain inherited metabolic disorders can increase the risk. Additionally, medical conditions that lead to high levels of calcium in the blood, like hyperparathyroidism and some cancers, can influence kidney stone formation as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, though kidney stones can bring great discomfort, it is arguably possible to reduce the risk of their formation through proper hydration and attention to diet and lifestyle habits. Minimizing animal protein and refined sugars, as well as eating an alkaline diet where possible, can help reduce the risk for kidney stones, as can maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity. Finally, those with a family history of kidney stones should consider consulting with a doctor to understand their risk and develop ways to manage it.