WHY DO PEOPLE GET KIDNEY STONES?
INTRODUCTION
Kidney stones are one of the most painful health problems a person can experience. They are small, hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. Although some kidney stones are as tiny as a grain of sand, others can grow as large as a golf ball. Small stones may pass out of the body naturally through urine, while larger ones may require medical treatment.
The good news is that many kidney stones can be prevented by maintaining healthy habits.
WHAT ARE KIDNEYS?
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. They perform several important functions:
●Filter waste products and extra water from the blood.
●Produce urine.
●Maintain the body's balance of minerals and salts.
●Help regulate blood pressure.
●Produce hormones that support healthy bones and the production of red blood cells.
When certain minerals become too concentrated in the urine, they can stick together and gradually form kidney stones.
WHY DO PEOPLE GET KIDNEY STONES?
There are several reasons why kidney stones develop:
1. Not Drinking Enough Water
This is the most common cause. When you do not drink enough water, your urine becomes concentrated. Minerals such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid are then more likely to crystallise and form stones.
2. Eating Too Much Salt
A diet high in salt increases the amount of calcium in the urine, making kidney stones more likely.
3. Eating Too Many Oxalate-Rich Foods
Foods such as spinach, beetroot, chocolate, nuts, tea, and sweet potatoes contain oxalates. Eating excessive amounts, especially without enough water, can increase the risk in some people.
4. Too Much Animal Protein
Eating large quantities of red meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs can raise uric acid levels and increase the chance of stone formation.
5. Family History
If close family members have had kidney stones, your chances of developing them are also higher.
6. Certain Medical Conditions
Diseases such as gout, obesity, diabetes, urinary tract infections, and some digestive disorders can increase the risk.
7. Certain Medicines
Some medicines and excessive use of vitamin C or calcium supplements may contribute to stone formation in susceptible individuals.
TYPES OF KIDNEY STONES
There are four main types:
Calcium stones: The most common type, usually made of calcium oxalate.
Uric acid stones: Often linked to dehydration or a diet high in animal protein.
Struvite stones: Usually develop after urinary tract infections.
Cystine stones: A rare type caused by an inherited genetic condition.
SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY STONES
A person may experience:
●Severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
●Pain while passing urine
●Blood in the urine
●Frequent urge to urinate
●Nausea and vomiting
●Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
●Fever and chills if an infection is present
HOW ARE KIDNEY STONES TREATED?
●Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone.
●Drinking plenty of water to help pass small stones.
●Pain-relieving medicines.
●Medicines that help relax the urinary tract.
●Shock wave therapy (lithotripsy) to break larger stones.
●Endoscopic or surgical removal for very large or complicated stones.
HOW CAN KIDNEY STONES BE PREVENTED?
You can reduce your risk by following these healthy habits:
●Drink 2–3 litres of water every day unless your doctor advises otherwise.
●Reduce salt intake.
●Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
●Avoid excessive consumption of sugary drinks.
●Maintain a healthy body weight.
●Stay physically active.
●Take supplements only under medical advice.
DID YOU KNOW?
●About 80% of kidney stones are calcium-based.
●A kidney stone can remain unnoticed for years if it does not block the flow of urine.
●People living in hot climates are more likely to develop kidney stones because they lose more water through sweating.
●Once a person develops a kidney stone, they are at a higher risk of getting another unless preventive measures are taken.
CONCLUSION
Kidney stones are common but often preventable. Staying well hydrated, eating a balanced diet, reducing salt intake, and leading a healthy lifestyle can greatly lower the risk. If you experience severe pain or notice blood in your urine, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and protect your kidneys for years to come.
