Kidney stones are one of the relatively widespread health concerns that millions of men experience throughout their lives. It are small, kidney hard and composed of minerals and salts, and if they reach the kidneys and traverse the urinary system the ache can be unbearable. However, kidney stones can affect anyone, and research reveals that men are more likely to be affected than women.
Preliminary knowledge of the causative factors of this condition is very important in avoiding the formation of kidney Stones and in treatment. Based on our observation, they are formed through numerous causes, such as genetic make up, daily habits like food, exercises, and other factors.
In detail, men become more vulnerable due to certain risk aspects, for example, increased consumption of some minerals in their diet, differences in hormonal levels as well as using high levels of physical activity or work causing dehydration.
In this blog, the main causes of kidney stones in men are discussed to explain how they lead to the development of the stones and practical information is provided to lower the likelihood of their formation.
What are the causes of kidney stones in men?
Kidney stones are formed where some substances that are found in urine including calcium, oxalate and uric acid accumulate and crystallize. Kidney stones are more common in the male population; this may be as a result of numerous biological, dietary and lifestyle factors. Here’s a detailed look at the causes:
1. Dehydration
Kidney stones are caused by dehydration. Male consume higher volumes of water because of regular exercises and other body activities and in instance this is not met, urine produced is more concentrated hence enhancing the creation of the crystals. This risk is especially more pronounced where workers operate in hot climates, engage in strenuous activities or perhaps intake limited amounts of water.
2. Eating Lots of Foods that have High Oxalate Content
Taking foods with high oxalate content like spinach, beets, nuts, and chocolate may raise the chances of oxalate crystals to attach themselves to calcium in the urine. The men who consistently consume foods that contain these nutrients and rarely take enough water or calcium containing foods might be affected.
3. Excessive Sodium Consumption
Among the sources of high sodium content, men frequently have processed foods and salty snacks more often than others. High sodium intake may also lead to the decrease in frequency of calcium reabsorbed in the kidney hence leading to more calcium in the urine therefore promoting formation of kidney stones.
4. High Animal Protein Intake
Measures of dietary purine intake proposed by men can soar down due to the frequent consumption of red meat, fish and poultry. These are also known as sour stones, because they develop as a result of acidification of urine. Animal protein intake also lowers the levels of citrate which is a natural fish to stone formation.
5. Obesity
Obesity is related with alteration of urine pH and makes it more acidic and pro stone environment. Obese male are at a higher risk of getting kidney stones, especially uric acid stones as they have a high BMI.
6. Genetics and Family History
Men have a specific risk that is 3 times higher than women if there is a history of a family member in their lineage had a kidney stone. Certain chemicals in the body are inherited and determine how the body processes the minerals needed to prevent the formation of the stones to higher amounts in the urine.
7. Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions are more common in men and contribute to kidney stone formation:
- Gout: It is known that men are more likely to develop gout, which affects the amount of uric acid in the blood and urine leads to stone formation.
- Hyperparathyroidism: This condition cause high level of calcium in the blood stream and in the urine.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Irritable bowel disease, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis reduce nutrient absorption, hence raising oxalate levels in urine.
- Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: These conditions change the pH of urine which results in uric acid kidney stones.
8. Low Citrate Levels
Citrate in their opinion is a natural product that prevents the formation of kidney stone. A decrease in citrate level is observed in men with low intake of fruits and vegetables, and such men are most likely to develop stone formation.
9. Frequent Use of Certain Medications
We continue our overview of how people fine-tune their lifestyles with a discussion of the sorts of prescription drugs most often associated with these changes. There are medications which can predispose to the formation of stones, for example, diuretics, calcium based antacids, vitamin C.
10. Sedentary Lifestyle
Sedentism which is typical for majority of male population due to long sitting desk jobs or no physical exercise results in decreased bone mass. It becomes a negative event that happens when calcium leaves the bones and enters into the blood and the urine increasing the chances for formation of stones.
11. Age and Hormonal Factors
Kidney stones are more common in men between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It known that hormones which are responsible for the regulation of calcium, for example, estrogen in women affects the activity of stones.
Formation of kidney stones in men is therefore dependant on a number of factors that sait majorly be categorized under lifestyle factors, dietary and molecular factors.
A number of measures can be taken to limit the possibility of developing this condition; these include, but are not limited to, adequate fluid intake, reduction of sodium and oxalate consumption, maintaining a proper diet and exercise regimen, respectively.
It is for this reason that effective prevention and redress of the challenges affecting men’s kidney health can be achieved, once the causes are well understood.
CureStone: Advanced Solutions for Kidney Stone
At Curetsione we deal primarily with all kidney stones and offer appropriate treatment solutions for male and female patients. Our orientation is based on providing superior state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgery, for the patients’ fast recoveries and minimum sufferance.
We have a team of experienced doctors and staff and offer our patients a quality approach and high-quality individual treatment aimed at restoring health for a lifetime. So, leave it to Curetsione to get you healed of kidney stones while enabling you to focus more on your daily functions.
You have come to the right place because we know how much these kidney stones can interfere with your life and we will be with you throughout the process. It can start from diagnosis to prescription of drugs, therapy or consulting on the best surgical procedures that will ensure the patients get the best services with as little discomfort as possible.
Come to us and we make sure that you are stone free and you are back to enjoying your life without any restrictions.