Proper functioning of the kidneys is essential to keep you healthy. They help to regulate the amount of fluid, potassium, calcium and salt in the body. Your kidneys filter out waste products and help to stabilize your blood pressure. Kidney stones are created when crystals found in your urine stick together and form a hard mass. If the stones are small they can pass out of the body without producing symptoms. In other cases they can cause severe pain and require medical attention. To help prevent this condition, it is important to understand the causes of kidney stones.
Family History and Inherited Diseases
In many cases, kidney stones form for no known reason, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. However, kidney stones often run in the family. In rare cases, if you inherit a condition called renal tubular acidosis, you may be more prone to getting kidney stones. If you have this condition it means that your kidneys do not properly excrete acids into the urine. Other inherited medical conditions that may cause kidney stones include hypercalciuria, abnormally high levels of calcium excreted in the urine; cystinuria, high levels of cystine in the urine, which causes stones; and hyperoxaluria, excessive levels of oxalate in the urine. All of these conditions can contribute to crystal formation and kidney stones.
Digestive System Conditions
According to the National Institutes of Health, having a urinary tract infection or kidney infection can also raise your risk of developing kidney stones. Inflammatory bowel disease and gastric bypass surgery can also play a role. Any disease that interferes with your absorption of food, the production of urine or the passing of urine from the body, can create an atmosphere where crystals can form into a kidney stone. Doing all you can to manage any underlying medical conditions should help to lower your risk.
Lifestyle Choices
Allowing yourself to become dehydrated may cause kidney stones to form. Without enough water, the kidneys may not be able to filter out waste products correctly. The National Kidney Foundation suggests staying hydrated enough that your urine is light yellow or clear. If your urine becomes dark yellow you need to drink more water. Consuming too much protein, sugar, calcium or salt can contribute to kidney stone formation. So does being overweight. If you are at risk for developing kidney stones, a registered dietitian can help you to make the right food choices based on the type of stones you tend to get.
About this Author
Lori Newell of Living Well Yoga and Fitness holds a master’s degree in health promotion. She is a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor. Newell has taught classes for the general public and those with chronic illness for 25 years. She has four books and writes for many sites and magazines including the “International Journal of Yoga Therapy” and eHow.
