Kidney Stone Pain - What Causes Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are said to be one of the most painful experiences a person can have, so it is important to know what causes kidney stones so you can fend them off if possible.
In order to figure out what causes kidney stones, it is important to learn what kidney stones are. Basically, kidney stones are made of acids, minerals and salts that are found normally in urine. The stones are formed in the kidneys when the balance of urine gets thrown off, allowing the minerals to crystallize and form hard, tiny masses - kidney stones.
There are two major factors that can lead to kidney stones:
1 - Not drinking enough water, and
2 - A medical condition.
Experts recommend that everyone drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. If your urine appears clear, then you are more than likely drinking enough water.
As far as medical problems go, gout is the main culprit and has been found to contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones can also be a problem for people who have had intestinal surgery, because this can affect calcium levels in the body.
When a doctor tries to determine what causes kidney stones, they first need to know what type of kidney stone it is. There are four types of kidney stones, and each one has a different answer to what causes kidney stones:
What Causes Kidney Stones - Calcium Stones
If a kidney stone is made mostly of calcium, then it is caused by too much calcium in the urine. This is the most common type of kidney stone, and it can be the result of too little water intake. So, when you hear that water is one of the most important parts of a healthy diet, remember that it can help prevent kidney stones!
Other things that can lead to excess calcium in the urine include too much vitamin D, certain metabolic disorders and intestinal bypass surgery.
What Causes Kidney Stones - Struvite Stones
This type of kidney stone happens to women more than men, and it is nearly always accompanied by a urinary tract infection. This is an example of why it is important to find out what causes kidney stones, because if it is an infection, then it needs to be treated.
What Causes Kidney Stones - Uric Acid Stones
Kidney stones made of uric acid are generally a result of a diet high in protein. These stones come about through protein metabolism caused by elevated levels of protein in the urine. This is another area where water can help balance out the urine and prevent acid formation that can lead to kidney stones.
What Causes Kidney Stones - Cystine Stones
This type of kidney stone is extremely rare and stems from a hereditary problem that leads to excess amino acids in the kidneys.