Kidney Stones - What Causes It?

What are kidney stones?

The primary function of the kidney is to filter the blood and eliminate the waste products through urine. The waste deposition is sometimes in the form of excessive calcium, uric acid and other undesirable contents. It may cause the urine to get highly saturated. This is when stone-like formations take place inside the kidneys. Kidney stones are also termed renal lithiasis or calculi. There are different kinds of kidney stones, which are differentiated based on its varied constituents. Kidney stones cause excruciating pain and uneasiness. Frequent urination, extreme discomfort during urinating and presence of blood in the urine are some of the major signs of kidney stones. The symptoms are not evident if the stones are very small in size.

Causes of kidney stones:

1. Incorrect calcium intake: High amounts of calcium can lead to high calcium depositions in the kidneys. It is important to keep the calcium intake moderate. Calcium supplements must be checked if you have already included dairy products in your diet.
2. Abnormal rates of sodium in the body: Sodium, just like calcium, gets deposited in the kidneys.
3. Excessive animal protein intake: Too much of animal protein intake can make the urine turn acidic, leading to uric acid depositions in the kidneys.
4. Sugary, aerated drinks: These lead to undesirable waste deposition in the blood stream and eventually in the kidneys.
5. Inadequate water intake: Not keeping the body well hydrated can cause the urine to turn acidic and increase waste deposition.

Potential risks and complications of kidney stones:

1. Kidney stones may cause an infection in the kidneys which may eventually spread to the other internal organs and surrounding tissues.
2. Kidney stones block the ureter and cause severe pain and discomfort that make sitting, standing or any other posture difficult.
3. Kidney stones rarely cause kidney failures but the severe blockage and infection may cause such detrimental results in the human body.