What causes kidney stones?

Kidney stones may be caused by a combination of factors including genetic factors, dietary habits, living environment, and medical history. Genetic factors play an important role in the formation of kidney stones. People with a family history of kidney stones are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because certain genes may affect mineral metabolism in the body, causing calcium, oxalate, uric acid, etc. to accumulate and form crystals in the kidneys. External environmental factors, including high-salt, high-protein, and high-sugar dietary habits, can also increase the risk of disease. These dietary habits increase the concentration of calcium and oxalate in the body, thereby promoting stone formation.

Physiological factors such as changes in urine concentration and pH also affect the formation of kidney stones. Long-term dehydration can cause urine concentration, increasing the possibility of mineral precipitation. Excessive acidity or alkalinity in urine can also change the solubility of minerals and promote stone formation. Certain medical conditions such as renal tubular acidosis, hyperparathyroidism, and metabolic diseases such as type 1 diabetes or gout can increase the risk of stones. Structural changes in the urinary system caused by trauma or surgery may also lead to obstructed urine flow and the formation of stones. From a pathological point of view, changes in minor physical factors, such as local infection, urinary tract obstruction, and metabolite deposition, are all potential factors that induce kidney stones.

Physiological factors such as changes in urine concentration and pH also affect the formation of kidney stones. Long-term dehydration can cause urine concentration, increasing the possibility of mineral precipitation. Excessive acidity or alkalinity in urine can also change the solubility of minerals and promote stone formation. Certain medical conditions such as renal tubular acidosis, hyperparathyroidism, and metabolic diseases such as type 1 diabetes or gout can increase the risk of stones. Structural changes in the urinary system caused by trauma or surgery may also lead to obstructed urine flow and the formation of stones. From a pathological point of view, changes in minor physical factors, such as local infection, urinary tract obstruction, and metabolite deposition, are all potential factors that induce kidney stones.

In order to prevent kidney stones, it is recommended to maintain adequate water intake. Drinking more water can dilute the mineral concentration in the urine, thereby reducing the chance of crystallization. In terms of diet, reduce the intake of high-salt, high-oxalate, and high-protein foods, such as spinach, nuts, red meat, etc. At the same time, appropriate calcium supplementation can help reduce the intestinal absorption of oxalate. Regular urine tests and renal ultrasound examinations can help detect stones early. Appropriate physical exercise, such as brisk walking and swimming, can promote body metabolism and blood circulation, and indirectly reduce the risk of stone formation. If any symptoms of kidney stones occur or there is a family history of the disease, you should seek medical attention in time and seek diagnosis and guidance from a professional doctor.