Kidney stones are a condition in which salts and minerals contained in the urine do not pass out properly and accumulate in the kidneys in the form of crystals. When they grow large, they block the urinary tract and cause severe pain. The main causes are:
Dehydration: The most important reason for the formation of kidney stones is not drinking enough water. When the body lacks water, the urine becomes concentrated, and its salts such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid easily turn into stones.
Excessive use of salt (High Sodium Diet): Excessive salt in the diet increases the amount of calcium excreted through the urine. This excess calcium combines with other factors to form calcium oxalate stones. Processed foods, pickles, and packet snacks contribute to this.
Excessive consumption of foods containing oxalate: Chocolates, nuts, spinach, black tea, and soft drinks are high in oxalate. Consuming too much of these can increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones.
Excessive protein intake: Excessive protein intake through red meat (beef, mutton), chicken, and eggs increases the level of uric acid in the body. This can lead to the formation of uric acid stones.
Heredity and other diseases: If someone in the family has had kidney stones, the next generation is also likely to have them. In addition, obesity, diabetes, high uric acid (gout), and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) also double the risk of kidney stones.
