The hard deposits in the kidney that are crystalline in nature are painful and affect the day to day movement of over millions of people around the globe. The deposition of these crystals in the kidney can be uncomfortable at times due to the expulsion of these hard deposits through the urinary tract of the human body. Although, there are very few people who are immune to these stones but having knowledge of the causes can make a positive impact in preventing them.
In today’s article we will discuss diet variations, lifestyle variations, medical conditions, and even genetic factors which play a crucial role in developing kidney stones.
What are Kidney stones?
Kidney stones are a kind of crystalline solid mass that when the urine is supersaturated with salt and minerals deposit in crystals, it forms in the kidney. The renal calculi focus deposits special calcifications retentive systems in the minute pipes of Cone, Grains Kidney that is why these become kidney stones as a result.
Varieties of Kidney stones
* The most prevalent type – Calcium Salts Oxalate Stones: consist of excess calcium and spiral salts from urine
* Uril Acid Stones: A high protein diet or gout is a reason of having a sore.
* Struvite Stones: are caused due to the urinary tract infections (UTIs)
* Cystine Stones: result from genetic disorders that are rare.
There are smaller stones that cause the kidney to be harmed when they expand and result in certain complications or larger stones that cause blockage to the human body as intense pain.
Why Are Kidney Stones Increasing So Rapidly For Men And Women?
Kidney stones are becoming more and more common across the globe alone for both men and women. The following are reasons for this increase:
1. Poor Hydration Habits
A number of people do not drink enough water which leads to formation of stones which is a highly concentrated urine.
2. Factors Associated with an Unhealthy Diet
An increase in consumption of salt, sugar, and processed food is leading to stone formation as modern diets are getting worse.
3. Increased Consumption Of Sodium
Increase in sodium consumption leads to excess calcium in urine making some stones.
4. Increased Rates Of Obesity
Obesity has been associated with metabolic disorders, imbalances and increase in the acidity of urine which makes people more prone to uric acid and calcium stones.
5. A Change In Diet Among Modern Population
As more and more people are consuming sugars sodas and junk food for their nutritional needs they are becoming more obese and are more prone to metabolic disorders and increasing the risk for stones.
6. Increase In Sedentary Lifestyle
Obesity coupled with less physical activity makes a person more likely to develop the stagnation of urine which if unmanaged leads to stone development.
7. Climate and Dehydration
There is an increase of people in hot areas like the Middle East and India where is a tendency to sweat more which causes dehydration and along with other factors increases the risk of developing kidney.
8. High Use of Supplements And Medications
Increased use of calcium supplements can make urinary calcium overused which is also a reason for forming stones.
High doses of vitamin C, especially over long periods of time, can increase the risk of kidney stones due to its conversion to oxalate in the body.
Diuretics and some forms of antibiotics can also assist in increasing the risk of kidney stones.
The risk of kidney stones can be greatly reduced through these lifestyle choices: proper hydration, diet changes, and increased physical activity.
The Most Common And Critical Causes Of Kidney Stones
Outlined here are the most prominent reasons for the ailment:
1. Lack of Adequate Hydration: The Original Offender
Not drinking enough water is one of that leads to kidney stones. Because of dehydration, there is a risk of urine getting overly concentrated, which allows for certain minerals, such as calcium and uric acid, to crystallize and combine to form stones.
Prevention Measures:
Aim to drink 2.5 – 3 liters of water a day.
Try increasing the amount of water drank during periods of physical exercise or in hot climates.
Citrate-containing foods and beverages, like lemonade, are also helpful as they assist in the prevention of stone formation.
2. Foods Rich In Oxalate
Some foods are deficient in nutrients, but have high levels of oxalates which can contribute to the formation of the most common type of kidney stone — calcium oxalate stones.
Foods High In Oxalate:
Beets, spinach, and rhubarb
Chocolate and nut products
Tea and coffee
Soy-based products
Prevention Measures:
Try to cut out as much oxalate rich food as possible if you are prone to this form of kidney stone.
To lower the chances of stone formation, combine oxalate-rich food with calcium-rich food, like dairy products.
3. The Concerns With Salt Consumption Noted Above
Sodium consumption in excess leads to an increased output of calcium through urine, which enhances the risk of developing kidney stones. The worst culprits are processed food, fast food, and salty snacks.
How To Prevent It
Restrict salt usage to below 2,300 milligrams on a daily basis.
Steer clear from packaged and processed foods.
Prepare fresh meals at home using unprocessed ingredients.
4. An Overconsumption Of Animal Protein
An increase in the intake of animal protein sources such as red meat, eggs, and seafood can result in increased uric acid levels in the body, which can lead to the development of uric acid stones.
How To Prevent It
Cut down on the intake of animal protein.
Increase the consumption of plant protein sources such as lentils and beans.
Drink more fluids to eliminate excessive uric acid in the body.
5. Kidney Stones and the Calcium Imbalance Issue: Excess or Deficit
While calcium is known to be crucial in bone health, an imbalance in its concentration may also contribute to the development of kidney stones.
Inadequate calcium consumption causes higher absorption rates of oxalate, which will contribute to stone formation.
Depleted calcium supplements will result in higher concentrations of calcium in the urine, henceforth causing the formation of stones.
How To Prevent It
Source calcium from natural foods such as dairy products, almonds, and green vegetables.
Seek medical advice before using calcium supplements.
6. Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle
Kidney stones may be exacerbated by obesity due to its association with higher urine acidity. Low levels of physical activity may also lead to metabolic derangements which predisposes the formation of stones.
How to Prevent It:
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet.
Participate in at least thirty minutes of moderate physical activity five times a week such as walking, yoga, or lifting weights.
7. Chronic Medical Conditions
The following conditions have been noted to increase the risk of kidney stones:
Diabetes: Causes changes to the composition of urine due to high blood sugar levels.
Hyperparathyroidism: May lead to excessive calcium being deposited in the urine.
Gout: Rising levels of uric acid lead to the formation of uric acid stones.
Digestive Disorders (IBD, Crohn’s Disease): Tend to lower absorption of calcium and fluids, therefore increasing risk.
How to Prevent It:
Follow a medical professional’s recommendations for chronic health management.
Eat a healthy diet designed for your condition and health requirements.
8. Certain Medications and Supplements
The use of some supplements and medications may lead to the development of kidney stones such as:
Diuretics: Have the potential to raise calcium concentration within the urine.
Vitamin C Supplements: Oxalate is formed from high dosages.
Calcium-containing Antacids: May contribute to higher levels of calcium in the urine.
How to Prevent It:
Follow the guidance of a medical practitioner when taking medication.
Stop taking any non-essential supplements that could encourage the formation of kidney stones.
9. Family History and Genetics
You may be at higher risk of developing kidney stones if they run in the family. Specific inherited traits might lead some individuals to absorb too much oxalate or have elevated levels of calcium excretion in their urine.
How To Prevent It:
Get timely kidney reviews in case of relatives’ history.
Restrict potential provoking factors with a kidney-friendly diet.
Expert Care at CureStone with Dr. Deepanshu Gupta
Suffering from kidney stones indicates that you require experts whose care will facilitate prompt and effective interventions. Dr. Deepanshu Gupta is an expert Urologist with extensive experience in minimally invasive kidney stone surgery. He uses advanced methods such as RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) to guarantee quick, painless and effective resolution of kidney stones.
At CureStone, we offer RIRS procedures because we acknowledge the pain associated with kidney stones is severe. That’s why we developed this innovative technique for removing kidney stones without the need for major surgery.
- No cuts, no stitches: just a simple and straightforward procedure.
- Rapid treatment – patients can continue normal activities within a short time.
- Professional approach eliminates concern with the procedure guarantee from Dr. Deepanshu Gupta.
We have many patients who experienced instant relief after RIRS and you can see their happy testimonials right after the surgery.
If you or anyone you know are having difficulties with kidney stones, do not hesitate to visit CureStone for a consultation for a pain free procedure.