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What are the Causes of Kidney Stones?
The leading causes of kidney stones include diet and hereditary factors. Renal calculi (the medical name for kidney stones) is a common problem, and statistics indicate that this condition continues to increase annually.
It is more likely to affect white males over the age of 50 years, and persons who have had kidney stones previously, or have relatives who have been, or are affected by kidney stones.
While genetics is an underlying factor in the incidences of kidney stones, in many cases, the main causes are related to the body's reaction to certain metabolic and chemical conditions.
In many cases, poor diet and lifestyle habits create the chemical conditions, in the body, that are conducive to renal calculi formation.
The following are some of the main causes of
kidney stones:
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Poor diet is probably one of the main contributors to kidney stones formation, and is a major cause of many serious health conditions. Modern
living has significantly changed our eating habits. Fast foods, over
processed meals, and excessive animal fats and animal proteins, form a large
part of many people's diets.
Vegetarians have a much lower risk of developing kidney
stones than someone who eats a lot of meat.
Increased water consumption is probably the single most
important thing that can be done to prevent formation of kidney stones.
Taking measures to deal with obesity (such as balanced diet, exercise, and adequate rest and recreation) will not only reduce the risk of developing kidney stones, but will also reduce the risk of many other serious health conditions.
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Hereditary genetic disorder can increase the risk of
developing kidney stones. This condition could result in the body's
inability to properly absorb substances such as calcium. Consequently a
build-up of calcium can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Of all the kidney stone causes, this is probably one of the few that is not preventable, but with proper dietary and lifestyle choices it can be managed.
This is why a person whose relatives have been afflicted with kidney stones is at greater risk of also developing kidney stones. To some extent, this also helps to explain why people who have been previously affected by renal calculi are likely to have a recurrence.
Inherited genetic disorder may not be preventable, but with good dietary habits and medication, the risk of developing kidney stones can be reduced.
Hyperparathyroidism is a metabolic disorder
which results in hyper-activity of the Parathyroid glands. Parathyroid
glands are small glands located within or behind the thyroid gland.
Cushing's syndrome is another metabolic
disorder that results from excessive amounts of corticosteroids in the
body. Corticosteroids are hormones manufactured by the adrenal
cortex.
Infections that disturb the flow of fluids in the body, can also be a cause of kidney stones.
Most kidney stone causes, which are not hereditary, can be prevented. This can be achieved by simple lifestyle and dietary changes, which result in overall improvement to health. By simply reducing the consumption of animal proteins and using more vegetable proteins, drinking adequate amounts of water, and getting rid of excess weight can go a long way in elimate many of the causes of kidney stones.
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