There is often no one, definite, single cause of kidney stones. People who suffer from them come from all different places and walks of life. Learn how to donate a car to help those who are suffering from kidney disease. If you or a loved one has kidney stones here are some risk factors you might want to think about:
Knowing the Types of Kidney Stones May help determine the risk factors:
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Calcium Stones
This is the most common type of kidney stone. It contains calcium oxalate. Oxalate is a naturally occurring substance found in food. Some fruits, vegetables, chocolate and nuts contain oxalate. Your liver also produces the substance. Factors such as high doses of vitamin D, diet, intestinal bi pass surgery and some metabolic disorders can increase your chances of getting this build-up of calcium oxalate which can increase the risk of calcium stones.
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Struvite Stones
These stones form because of an infection in the urinary tract. These can grow fast, become quite large and with little warning at all.
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Uric Acid Stones
These stones can form in people who do not drink enough fluids and/or drink too much soda. High protein diets have been seen to increase the risk as well as those people who already have gout. These stones have also been linked to certain genetic factors, as well.
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Cystic Stones
These form because of a hereditary disorder that causes their kidneys to excrete too much cystinuria which is an amino acid.
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Other Rare Stones
Other rare stones can occur that are not as commonly studied.
Risk Factors to Consider:
- Family or personal history
- Dehydration
- Certain diets( high protein, sugar and sodium)
- Being Obese
- Digestive diseases and weight loss surgery
- Medical Conditions such as: Renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism and urinary tract infections.
Knowing the potential risk factors of certain kidney stones and being familiar with the types of stones that are out there is one step toward preventing getting them. While you can also be the healthiest person on the planet with zero risk factors and still get kidney stones, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of work.