Why do I have Kidney Stones? The Top 5 causes of Kidney Stones in the United States.
Kidney Stones affect many people in the United States, and the rates are on the rise. About 11 percent of men and 6 percent of women in the United States have kidney stones once during their lifetime. Yet, many of us don’t understand why they occur. Let’s dig into the top causes of Kidney Stones, …
Kidney Stones affect many people in the United States, and the rates are on the rise. About 11 percent of men and 6 percent of women in the United States have kidney stones once during their lifetime. Yet, many of us don’t understand why they occur. Let’s dig into the top causes of Kidney Stones, which will hopefully help you get a grasp on preventing them.
The 4 types of Kidney Stones
1. Calcium Stones: The most common kidney stones are fashioned from calcium, primarily calcium oxalate. Within this category, two distinct types are recognized:
Calcium Oxalate: Daily produced by your liver, oxalate can be found in select fruits, vegetables, nuts, and indulgent chocolate treats. As you consume these delectables, your body assimilates oxalate, causing its concentration in urine to escalate. Elevated vitamin D doses, intestinal bypass surgery, and certain metabolic disorders can also heighten calcium or oxalate levels in your urine.
Calcium Phosphate: Typically encountered in individuals with metabolic conditions or those relying on medications to address migraines or seizures.
2. Struvite Stones: Formation of struvite stones is associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bacteria initiating the infection trigger an accumulation of ammonia in urine, leading to the creation of these stones, which can rapidly grow in size.
3. Uric Acid Stones: This variety manifests in individuals enduring excessive fluid loss due to chronic diarrhea or malabsorption, adhering to a high-purine diet, or grappling with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, certain genetic factors may elevate the risk of uric acid stone formation.
4. Cystine Stones: Uncommon and distinct, cystine stones arise from a renal leakage of a specific amino acid, cysteine, into the urine. These occurrences are typically observed in individuals affected by the hereditary disorder known as cystinuria.
The top 5 causes of Kidney Stones
1. Hydration Matters
A common denominator for all types of kidney stones is dehydration. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for those susceptible to kidney stones. A compelling randomized trial revealed that consuming 2 liters of fluid daily reduces the chances of stone recurrence by a striking half. Emphasizing the significance of hydration, the American Urological Association recommends a fluid intake of more than 2.5 liters per day for patients.
2. Weight and Stone Risk
Obesity significantly influences kidney stone risk, with individuals grappling with a BMI of 30 or above being nearly twice as likely to develop stones. Addressing this issue requires diverse approaches. While weight loss surgery can aid in shedding pounds and improving overall health, studies suggest that gastric bypass recipients are at a heightened risk of stone formation due to post-surgery malabsorption. For those dealing with obesity and recurrent kidney stones, dietary and exercise interventions may present a more suitable path.
3. The Diet Factor
Diet plays a pivotal role in kidney stone formation. A prevalent type of stone arises from the combination of calcium and oxalate during the urine-making process. Oxalate, found in numerous healthy foods and vegetables, may need to be limited if one has previously experienced this type of stone. Some examples include spinach, rhubarb, grits, and bran cereal. Conversely, when calcium-rich foods and oxalate-containing items are consumed together, the body more effectively manages oxalate. By binding in the gut, this prevents stone formation in the kidneys, highlighting the dietary influence on long-term kidney stone management.
4. Digestive Influences
Digestive diseases and surgeries like gastric bypass, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic diarrhea can alter the digestive process, affecting calcium and water absorption. This leads to increased amounts of stone-forming substances in the urine.
5. Family and Personal History
A family history of kidney stones increases one’s likelihood of developing them as well. Likewise, having experienced kidney stones previously raises the risk of recurrence. Although some factors may be beyond one’s control, managing other risk factors can significantly reduce the chances of stone formation. Awareness of family history can serve as a proactive measure in preventing kidney stones.
Conclusion
If you uncover the cause of your kidney stones, you can create an action plan for preventing them in the future. Now that you’ve learnt the top causes of Kidney Stones, it’s time to take action. Head to our article on 5 Natural Remedies to Prevent Kidney Stones at Home. It will teach you about easy and effective solutions you can do without a doctor.
References
Definition & Facts for Kidney Stones – Niddk.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/definition-facts. Accessed 21 July 2023.
Taylor EN, Stampfer MJ, Curhan GC. Obesity, weight gain, and the risk of kidney stones. JAMA. 2005 Jan 26;293(4):455-62. doi: 10.1001/jama.293.4.455. PMID: 15671430.
Steve Jenkins is an accomplished leader in the pharmaceutical industry. He’s the Executive Chairman of Beach Pharmaceuticals, a role he’s been flourishing in since January 2017. Jenkins brings a solid scientific foundation to his work, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida. His strong background and many years of experience in the industry give him unique insights and a deep understanding of the field.
Why do I have Kidney Stones? The Top 5 causes of Kidney Stones in the United States.
Kidney Stones affect many people in the United States, and the rates are on the rise. About 11 percent of men and 6 percent of women in the United States have kidney stones once during their lifetime. Yet, many of us don’t understand why they occur. Let’s dig into the top causes of Kidney Stones, …
Kidney Stones affect many people in the United States, and the rates are on the rise. About 11 percent of men and 6 percent of women in the United States have kidney stones once during their lifetime. Yet, many of us don’t understand why they occur. Let’s dig into the top causes of Kidney Stones, which will hopefully help you get a grasp on preventing them.
The 4 types of Kidney Stones
1. Calcium Stones: The most common kidney stones are fashioned from calcium, primarily calcium oxalate. Within this category, two distinct types are recognized:
2. Struvite Stones: Formation of struvite stones is associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bacteria initiating the infection trigger an accumulation of ammonia in urine, leading to the creation of these stones, which can rapidly grow in size.
3. Uric Acid Stones: This variety manifests in individuals enduring excessive fluid loss due to chronic diarrhea or malabsorption, adhering to a high-purine diet, or grappling with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, certain genetic factors may elevate the risk of uric acid stone formation.
4. Cystine Stones: Uncommon and distinct, cystine stones arise from a renal leakage of a specific amino acid, cysteine, into the urine. These occurrences are typically observed in individuals affected by the hereditary disorder known as cystinuria.
The top 5 causes of Kidney Stones
1. Hydration Matters
A common denominator for all types of kidney stones is dehydration. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for those susceptible to kidney stones. A compelling randomized trial revealed that consuming 2 liters of fluid daily reduces the chances of stone recurrence by a striking half. Emphasizing the significance of hydration, the American Urological Association recommends a fluid intake of more than 2.5 liters per day for patients.
2. Weight and Stone Risk
Obesity significantly influences kidney stone risk, with individuals grappling with a BMI of 30 or above being nearly twice as likely to develop stones. Addressing this issue requires diverse approaches. While weight loss surgery can aid in shedding pounds and improving overall health, studies suggest that gastric bypass recipients are at a heightened risk of stone formation due to post-surgery malabsorption. For those dealing with obesity and recurrent kidney stones, dietary and exercise interventions may present a more suitable path.
3. The Diet Factor
Diet plays a pivotal role in kidney stone formation. A prevalent type of stone arises from the combination of calcium and oxalate during the urine-making process. Oxalate, found in numerous healthy foods and vegetables, may need to be limited if one has previously experienced this type of stone. Some examples include spinach, rhubarb, grits, and bran cereal. Conversely, when calcium-rich foods and oxalate-containing items are consumed together, the body more effectively manages oxalate. By binding in the gut, this prevents stone formation in the kidneys, highlighting the dietary influence on long-term kidney stone management.
4. Digestive Influences
Digestive diseases and surgeries like gastric bypass, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic diarrhea can alter the digestive process, affecting calcium and water absorption. This leads to increased amounts of stone-forming substances in the urine.
5. Family and Personal History
A family history of kidney stones increases one’s likelihood of developing them as well. Likewise, having experienced kidney stones previously raises the risk of recurrence. Although some factors may be beyond one’s control, managing other risk factors can significantly reduce the chances of stone formation. Awareness of family history can serve as a proactive measure in preventing kidney stones.
Conclusion
If you uncover the cause of your kidney stones, you can create an action plan for preventing them in the future. Now that you’ve learnt the top causes of Kidney Stones, it’s time to take action. Head to our article on 5 Natural Remedies to Prevent Kidney Stones at Home. It will teach you about easy and effective solutions you can do without a doctor.
References
Definition & Facts for Kidney Stones – Niddk.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/definition-facts. Accessed 21 July 2023.
Taylor EN, Stampfer MJ, Curhan GC. Obesity, weight gain, and the risk of kidney stones. JAMA. 2005 Jan 26;293(4):455-62. doi: 10.1001/jama.293.4.455. PMID: 15671430.
Article by Steve Jenkins
Steve Jenkins is an accomplished leader in the pharmaceutical industry. He’s the Executive Chairman of Beach Pharmaceuticals, a role he’s been flourishing in since January 2017. Jenkins brings a solid scientific foundation to his work, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida. His strong background and many years of experience in the industry give him unique insights and a deep understanding of the field.