Kidney stone formation
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are solid deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can range from very small to large in size and can cause pain and discomfort if they block a urinary tract. It’s estimated that around 10-15% of all people in the United States have had or will have a kidney stone at some point in their life. So what causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones are formed when minerals and salts in the urine stick together and form crystals around the lining of the kidney. These crystals develop into larger masses that are eventually hard enough to pass out of the bladder. Factors that can increase the chances of kidney stone formation include:
- Insufficient intake of fluids, especially water
- Unbalanced levels of minerals in the bloodstream, especially calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and uric acid
- Excessive amounts of animal proteins in the diet
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- A family history of kidney stones
- High levels of acid in the blood (acidosis)
- Certain medical conditions, such as gout and hypercalciuria
In addition to the factors listed above, certain medications and vitamin supplements can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. These include calcium, diuretics, and vitamin C supplements.
While anyone can get kidney stones, the risk is higher for people with certain medical conditions, accidents, or illnesses. People who are older than 50, men, and people who live in hot climates are also more likely to develop kidney stones.
