Kidney stones are a painful problem that may be alleviated through a low fat diet, by drinking lots of water and getting regular parathyroid gland function testing. Recent information from WebMD.com and the Mayo Clinic indicates that kidney stone formation is increased when a certain abnormal balance of substances are found in the urine. The substances under study are water, minerals, salts, and other substances that need to be balanced for the body to function properly.
Kidney Stones Contain Calcium
For the most part, kidney stones are formed by excess calcium deposits. This can be identified when levels of calcium in the urine change. The balance of substances determines the type of stone produced. The urine content is derived from the kidneys and is sensitive to intake of certain chemicals and medical conditions like gout or bowel disease.
Whenever a disease, inflammation or other occurrence like surgery affects the body, the gastrointestinal system may not work properly. If an intestinal problem causes fats to not become absorbed as they normally are, it could cause a change in the way the intestines process substances like calcium and minerals. This could result in formation of calcium, struvite, uric acid, xanthine or cystine kidney stones.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Those suffering from kidney stones most likely will be experiencing severe pain in the back or side areas, under the ribs, or spreading pain in the groin and lower abdomen. Urination may be painful, and the urine discolored to pink, red or a brownish color. The affected person may experience vomiting, nausea, frequent urination, and if infection is present, he will have fever and chills. Medical assistance is necessary if pain is severe enough that the person is unable to sit or stand comfortably, or if there are other symptoms of vomiting, nausea, fever and chills.
Low Fat Diet, Water, Testing
Three things to watch for to help prevent kidney stone formation include drinking plenty of water, reducing fat by eating a low fat diet, and getting regular parathyroid gland function testing. When sufficient water is consumed, the urine will maintain a nice clear color. This requires drinking approximately eight to ten glasses of water per day. Without enough water in the body systems, various minerals, salts, and other substances clump up together and form a kidney stone. Lack of sufficient water can allow crystalline forming substances including calcium, oxalate and uric acid to increase, which may lead to formation of stones.
Other Causes of Kidney Stones
Some families experience kidney stones in each generation as an inherited tendency. If a family member is known to have the condition, other descendants should be watchful for their own problems with kidney stones. Kidney stones may also occur if the parathyroid glads overproduce a hormone that can result in higher calcium levels.
Risk Factors for Kidney Stones
In addition to the familial connection, other risk factors for kidney stones may be present. Typical contributory factors include being obese, male, over 40 years old, medical or surgical conditions, digestive diseases, and some diets.
People who are concerned about the possibility of getting or having kidney stones should discuss this problem with their personal physician.
Sources:
WebMD.com. "Kidney Stones – Cause" (accessed Mar 6, 2011).
MayoClinic.com. "Kidney Stones – Causes" (accessed Mar 6, 2011).
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
