Kidney stones are a common medical condition, which affects approximately 11% of men and 6% of women in the United States. The likelihood of developing kidney stones is one in 10 for men and one in 35 for women.
What is the cause of recurring kidney stones
Kidney stone disease, or urolithiasis, is responsible for over a million emergency room visits annually in the United States. Those who have gone through the experience of passing a kidney stone know the unbearable pain it can cause. While having a single kidney stone is bad enough, some people experience recurring kidney stones. It is essential to understand why this happens and how it can be prevented.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones can form when minerals that create crystals begin to oxalate in the urinary system. Normally, water helps dissolve in the urinary system any minerals such as calcium, salt, and uric acid found in foods. Sufficient water helps flush out the minerals before they can become overly concentrated in the urine.
However, if these minerals begin to crystallize, they can form kidney stones, which can range in size from a seed to a golf ball. Unfortunately, those who have had kidney stones in the past are at a higher risk of developing them again.
What are the causes of kidney stones that keep returning?
There can be multiple reasons why a person keeps getting kidney stones. Some of the reasons are due to lifestyle factors and others caused by certain disorders or conditions. Here’s a look at why some individuals can be more at risk of recurrent kidney stones:
Lifestyle factors:
Eating too much:
- red meat
- organ meats
- beer/alcoholic beverages
- sardines
- anchovies
- shellfish
These foods contain high amounts of uric acid. Reduce intake and choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Obesity can also lead to high levels of uric acid
Excess sodium intake and lack of hydration are also contributing factors.
Hereditary and genetic conditions that make a person susceptible to recurrent kidney stones:
- Kidney disorders
- Urinary tract infections
- Renal Tubular Acidosis
- Cystinuria
- Primary hyperoxaluria
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Crohn’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Gout
- Diabetes
- Previous gastric bypass surgery
If you are having recurrent kidney stone, work with your doctor on finding a solution. Don’t suffer in silence. There are several treatments that can help address this problem and help reduce this from happening.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
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