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What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys when they have difficulty eliminating waste effectively. This can happen due to a slow elimination process related to kidney issues or an increased concentration of minerals, often caused by inadequate water consumption, which overwhelms the kidneys’ ability to manage them.
Types of Kidney Stones
There are several types of kidney stones categorized by the specific salts and minerals involved, as well as the underlying causes of their formation:
- Calcium Oxalate Stones: The most common type, these stones form when urine is high in calcium and oxalate salts. They are associated with high-oxalate foods like beets, chocolate, and spinach. If they recur frequently, further evaluation of urinary function and dietary changes may be necessary.
- Calcium Phosphate Stones: These stones are linked to abnormalities in the urinary system and often occur alongside calcium oxalate stones. Diagnosis usually requires blood and urine tests to uncover any underlying issues.
- Struvite Stones: More common in women, struvite stones result from certain urinary infections. If not treated, they may lead to severe infections and kidney damage.
- Uric Acid Stones: More frequently seen in men, these stones develop in individuals with diets high in animal protein or insufficient water intake. They are also associated with gout and specific medical histories.
- Cystine Stones: Resulting from a genetic disorder called cystinuria, cystine stones form due to excessive levels of an amino acid called cystine—an essential building block of proteins—in the urine. This can lead to stones in the kidneys, bladder, and ureters.
