Kidney stones affect about 12% of the population across the globe and adults between the ages of 25 and 45 are more likely to develop them. Kidney stones are made from minerals and salts in the urine that crystallise to form a hard structure. Although they are called kidney stones, they can occur anywhere within the urinary tract (kidneys, bladder and ureters). 

Some kidney stones may not cause any symptoms. However, other stones can often lead to pain and blood in the urine especially when they get stuck in the ureter. If you experience pain while urinating or suspect that you may have kidney stones then speak with your doctor immediately. Several factors can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, including the food you eat and the medicines you take.  

What causes kidney stones?

Kidney stones are formed when there are excessive amounts of minerals and salts in your urine. This promotes the minerals to accumulate together and eventually crystallise into a hard stone. Substances like calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite and cystine tend to form into crystals when their levels build up in your urine. Here are the main causes of different types of kidney stones:

• Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones – Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stones, it is caused when there is an increase in the amount of calcium oxalate in your body. Certain fruits and vegetables, nuts, chocolate, excess amounts of vitamin D and some migraine or seizure medications can all increase the level of calcium oxalate in your body. 
• Struvite Kidney Stones – If you have a urinary infection in the upper region of your urinary tract, the bacteria will release ammonia as they rapidly increase in number. This can cause your urine to become less acidic and more alkaline. Alkaline urine can aid in the formation of struvite stones.
• Uric Acid Kidney Stones – Uric acid is a waste product that your body makes. When too much uric acid builds up, it accumulates in the urine and crystallises. Loss of fluids, diarrhoea, poor digestive absorption, deranged kidney function, diabetes and other metabolic diseases as well as an excessive intake of a protein-rich diet can all result in high levels of uric acid. 
• Cystine Kidney Stones – Cystine is an amino acid. People who have a rare hereditary condition called cystinuria tend to produce excessive amounts of cystine. This leads to cystine stones developing in the urinary tract. 

There are other risk factors and causes that can increase the chance of kidney stones developing:

• Genetics – If someone in your family has kidney stones, you are more likely to develop them too. 
• Less Water Intake – If you do not drink enough water every day, there is a higher risk that your urine will be more concentrated with minerals and salts. 
• Diet – high-sodium and high-sugar diets can all increase your risk.
• Weight – Being overweight or obese is also associated with a higher risk of kidney stones.
• Digestive Issues – Digestive surgery (like a gastric bypass) and conditions like IBS or chronic diarrhoea will reduce your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. When insufficient calcium or water is absorbed, it can increase the chance of kidney stones. 
• Medical Conditions – Hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, a blockage in the kidneys or ureter, horseshoe kidney and other conditions can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. 
• Supplements and Medicines – Vitamin C and other dietary supplements, excessive use of laxatives, antacids and some medications may increase your risk of kidney stones developing. 

Symptoms of kidney stones

• Pain – Pain on your side. lower back, during urination, pain may move in waves across your groin and lower belly.
• Burning – You may experience a burning sensation while you urinate. 
• Colour – The colour of your urine may become darker such as brown, pink or red. You may also notice blood in your urine. 
• Smell – You may notice a strong smell when you urinate. 
• Frequency – You may need to urinate more often and may only pass a small amount of urine each time. 
• Other symptoms – Nausea, vomiting, fever and chills may also occur (especially if you have a UTI). 

In any type of kidney stones golden rules include, increasing water intake to maintain two liters of urine output per day, a low salt diet, and a decreased amount of animal protein consumption should be a daily practice

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Home remedies for kidney stones

• Hydration – Drinking enough water will help smaller stones to pass more easily and also help to dilute your urine. This lowers the risk of more stones developing. Your doctor may also advise you to drink more than the usual amount of water if you already have kidney stones.
• Citrus juices – Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges contain citrate which is thought to obstruct calcium crystals from forming. Whole fruit or Juices made from these fruits can be an excellent way to stay refreshed while maintaining healthy kidneys. Citrate from these juices is also effective against uric acid stones. 
• Basil juice – Acetic acid can be found in basil, this acid is thought to break down the minerals found in calcium-oxalate kidney stones. It may also be beneficial in reducing the pain associated with this condition. 
• Apple cider vinegar – Like Basil, Apple Cider Vinegar also contains ample amounts of acetic acid. Although there is less scientific evidence, it may play a role in dissolving the stones. Only consume 1-2 tablespoons per day, either as a salad topping or diluted in a glass of water. Acetic acid is particularly useful against calcium oxalate stones by reducing the acidity of urine.
• Kidney bean water – Boil kidney beans in an ample amount of water and strain the beans out. The water that is left behind can be drunk throughout the day. It is thought that the vitamin B present in this water may support your kidneys in functioning better.
• Cut down oxalates – Calcium oxalates are produced by the body and also absorbed through the food we eat. This substance is one of the major causes of kidney stones so try to reduce your intake by cutting down on oxalate-rich foods. However, most oxalate-rich foods are very healthy for your body (such as leafy greens, chocolate, fruits and nuts), so don’t avoid them completely. 
• Avoid vitamin C supplements – People who take excessive vitamin C supplements have a much higher risk of developing kidney stones. Vitamin C from food sources like lemons and oranges does not seem to have this higher risk. Hence, these fruits are a better option rather than supplements. Excess amounts of Vitamin C may get converted into oxalate which may increase the risk of developing calcium oxalate stones. Take supplements as advised by your doctor.
• Dietary calcium – Consuming calcium through your food will not increase your risk of kidney stones. Kidney stones will only develop when excess calcium is not passed from your body. Sufficient calcium from food sources like milk and other dairy products may even cut down the absorption of oxalate. If you are taking a calcium supplement, speak with your doctor about managing your calcium intake through food sources instead. 
• Reduce sodium – Sodium is part of table salt and too much sodium may result in more calcium passing through the urine. This can cause calcium oxalate kidney stones to grow. Processed and fast foods tend to have higher amounts of salt (and therefore, sodium) in them, so try to avoid these kinds of foods as far as possible. High-salt diets may also reduce the amount of citrate in your urine. Citrate is essential for increasing pH of urine.
• Weight management – Obesity has many health issues that go along with it, including a higher risk of developing kidney stones. Reducing your weight with a healthy weight management plan may be linked to a lower risk of kidney stones.

Half of the patients with kidney stones are known to have a recurrence within five years of the initial finding. Common factors implicated include very little water consumption, weight loss, surgeries and inappropriate exercises and obesity.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

When to seek professional help for kidney stones

You should see your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms related to kidney stones.  

Your doctor will request diagnostic tests and ask you several questions about your diet and lifestyle. You may need to take certain medications and for large kidney stones, you may need to undergo surgery. 

Conclusion

Kidney stones can be extremely painful to live with and may require serious medical attention. If you are at high risk for developing this condition then ensure that you drink sufficient water regularly. For smaller stones, your doctor may only recommend painkillers and other medicines to help you pass the stone. With the right medical treatment, all stones can be properly dealt with. If you have a lot of pain, do not delay and consult your doctor as soon as you can. 

Also Read: Groin Pain When Walking: Understanding the Causes and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.