Causes of kidney stones and urinary stones

The formation of kidney stones and urinary stones is mainly related to insufficient water intake, eating habits and metabolic abnormalities. Understanding these causes can help us better prevent and manage these problems.

Kidney stones are hard masses formed by the minerals and acid salts in urine that gather in the kidneys, while urinary stones are stones formed in the urethra or bladder. Common stone components include calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and urate. The specific formation method is related to the concentration and pH of urine. When the urine concentration is too high or some components are excessive, precipitation is likely to occur and stones will gradually form.

Insufficient water intake is one of the common causes. If daily water intake is insufficient, the amount of urine decreases, and the components cannot be completely diluted in the body, it is easy to accumulate into stones. Excessive intake of foods containing oxalic acid or purine (such as spinach, beans, animal offal, etc.) will promote calcium precipitation or uric acid formation during metabolism. In addition, long-term excessive salt intake will increase the calcium concentration in the urine, further increasing the risk of stones. Certain genetic factors and metabolic diseases can also lead to a high incidence of stones, such as family history, hyperparathyroidism or gout.

To prevent kidney stones and urinary stones, you can develop the habit of drinking more water, ensuring at least 2 liters of water intake every day to make the urine clear. Pay attention to the dietary structure, reduce the intake of high-oxalate, high-purine and high-salt foods, and take calcium supplements appropriately to prevent excessive absorption of oxalate. And maintain a regular schedule and exercise moderately to help the body metabolize waste. If you have symptoms of severe waist and abdominal pain, hematuria or difficulty urinating, it is recommended to go to the hospital for examination and treatment in time to avoid delaying the condition.