8 Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

We produce urine to excrete waste and excess water from our bodies; however, sometimes crystals can develop in urine and eventually cause kidney stones. Kidney stones can cause bloody urine, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, lower back pain, as well as foul-smelling and cloudy urine. Staying hydrated, reducing sodium and calcium intake, and a few other lifestyle changes can reduce the likelihood of developing kidney stones. 

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Types of Kidney Stones 

According to the National Kidney Foundation, nearly 1 in 10 people develop kidney stones, and each year, more than half a million people go to the emergency room for issues related to kidney stones. 

There are four types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones. We described these kidney stones and their causes below. 

• Calcium Oxalate Stones: This is the most common type of kidney stone caused by insufficient calcium and fluid intake. Calcium combines with oxalate - a natural compound found in most foods and within the urine. When you do not have enough calcium or fluid intake, oxalate minerals can form a large solid and lead to a kidney stone.
• Uric Acid Stones: These types of stones form when the levels of uric acid in your urine are too high. You may have high uric acid concentrations as a result of genetic inheritance or because you are eating foods that have high concentrations of chemicals called purines. Purines may lead to the formation of uric acid stones and are found in organ meats and shellfish.
• Struvite Stones: A struvite is a classification for kidney stones caused by upper urinary tract infections from bacteria. Struvite stones are formed when the urine is not acidic enough. These stones can grow quickly with little warning.
• Cystine Stones: Typically larger than other kidney stones, cystine stones are caused by a rare disorder called “cystinuria,” which causes cystine - a naturally occurring enzyme, to leak into your urine. Too much cystine can cause kidney stones to form and get lodged in your kidneys, bladder, or elsewhere in the urinary tract. About 1 in 7,000 people worldwide have cystinuria.