Where do kidney stones come from?

The main function of the kidneys is to filter waste from the blood supply which we then secrete as urine. They do this with the help of nephrons which are fine tube like filters which the blood passes through leaving waste products behind. This waste then travels through the nephrons, into the uterer and then into the bladder where it is then expelled out of the system as urine. Kidney stones can get in the way of this process and make it harder for the waste removal to occur leading to a build up of waste and painful blocking as they travel through the narrow tubes of the bladder.

Many kidney stones travel through kidneys and out the urinary system unnoticed by those who suffer from them. This is because the stones are small, about the size of a grain of sand. Kidney stones of this small caliber hardly cause complications and those who get them.

However, if the kidney stone happens to get stuck in the ureter, then it may come into contact with other sediments such as calcium or salt. Then the problem can snowball from there as the stone gets bigger and poses a threat to the urinary system. The stone can then do damage to the ureter, leading to infection, or it can cause serious pain as it is forced through the narrow tubes of the urinary tract.

Causes of kidney stones

Scientists have come up with several different explanations as to why kidney stones may form but a proven explanation has yet to reveal itself. Here is what they think may cause it.

Heredity: Certain traits passed down through our genes may be the reason. These traits may include a different way of absorbing minerals, poor calcium absorption, or poor metabolism. Some people may also have the genetic disinclination to manage certain chemicals such as cystine (an amino acid), oxalate ( a type of salt) or uric  acid poorly. These chemicals have the ability to stick together and form crystals which leads to the bigger chances of getting kidney stones.

Climate: Dry climates might lead to kidney stones. When a person lives in a dry climate, their body has a tendency to become dehydrated much more easily. This means that they will then excrete less fluids and their urine might end up becoming more concentrated.  This concentration allows for closer contact of minerals and chemicals giving them further opportunity to crystallize and form kidney stones.

Diet: If a person is suffering from kidney stones then their diet is going to have to change. They will be better served to avoid foods that are high in calcium or uric acid which are two of the building blocks of kidney stones.

Medications: Antacids and diuretic pills may lead to kidney stones because of they both could contain high levels of calcium.

One working Kidney: People who have had their kidney removed or donated it stand a high chance of developing kidney stones since their one remaining kidney  will now be forced to work overtime. Have one kidney that is abnormally shaped could also lead to this type of problem.

How to prevent kidney stones

One of the best ways to keep crystalline masses from forming in your kidneys and clogging up the renal system is to avoid dehydration. Keeping your urine dilute will help minimize the chances of a stone nucleus forming.