How are Stones Formed in the Kidneys

How are stones formed in the kidneys? Kidney stone is a common disease in the urinary tract. It is estimated that every one out of twenty people can develop kidney stones. Kidney stones can be categorized into four types divided by the composition. Kidney stones can be caused by several inducing conditions, including heredity, infections, environment, diet, medicines, etc. People need to know the causes so as to prevent the formation of stones in their kidneys.

How are stones formed in the kidneys? Incidence rate of kidney stones is associated to the environment where people live. Those living in mountainous area, dessert, or tropical areas have a higher chance of getting kidney stones because of the temperature, dietary habits, humidity, etc. Some researches suggest those who stay in bed for weeks due to traumas, surgeries or certain diseases are more prone for increased levels of uric acid or hypercalcinuria. Urinary tract infections can increase urine matrix and increase risks of magnesium ammonium phosphate calculus. Occurrence of kidney stones is also associated to such genetic diseases as homocystinuria and familial xanthine urine.

Unhealthy dietary habits also give rise to kidney stones. Eating a high protein diet will produce excess calcium and uric acid and increase risks of hypercalcinuria and uric acid kidney stones. Meat products such as sea foods, mutton, beef and pork produce excessive purine and produce more uric acid. Other foods which produce much uric acid also include spinaches, tofu, tomatoes, chocolates, strong tea, etc. Other substances such as fat, calcium, phosphorus, mineral elements, vitamins, etc also affect the formation of kidney stones. Eating proper foods and drinking sufficient water will help people to prevent development of kidney stones.