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causes for kidney stones
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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #13987
16 days ago
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causes for kidney stones - #13987

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I am really worried about this kidney stone situation I’ve been dealing with lately. A couple weeks ago I started having this agonizing pain in my back and side. Seriously felt like someone was trying to tear my kidney out! Went to the ER and they confirmed I had kidney stones. They didn’t say much about what the specific causes for kidney stones were though. I mean, I drink plenty of water, but I do have a pretty rich diet, tons of dairy and red meat, which makes me wonder if that could be one of the causes for kidney stones? My doctor told me about avoiding certain foods, but it just feels overwhelming. Also, I tend to have a high-salt diet, and even some sugary drinks. Are those also causes for kidney stones? I’ve heard that dehydration might be one of the causes for kidney stones, but I drink water all the time. Sometimes I grab coffee too, but thought that should be alright? And I’m just curious if there are certain genetic factors that could play a role too cause my mom had them. Anyway, if anyone knows how to prevent getting more stones or if there’s specific causes for kidney stones I should worry about, please let me know. This is so stressful!

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Doctors’ responses

Kidney stones can indeed be linked to a number of factors, and it sounds like you’re already thinking about some common contributors. Let’s break it down: Diet can have a significant part in the development of kidney stones. High intake of oxalate-rich foods like spinach and nuts, or foods high in animal protein, such as red meat, can increase the risk of stones by upping urine acidity, conducive to oxalate stones. Dairy, while it’s good in moderation, can also add to calcium intake, contributing to certain types of stones. It’s also wise to consider moderation with salt and sugary drinks, as both can lead to kidney stones; excess salt increases calcium in urine, and sugary drinks or high-sugar diets can raise the risk by impacting the body’s ability to filter those minerals properly. And though coffee is generally okay, you might want to ensure it’s not replacing water, as caffeine can be dehydrating, potentially increasing the risk.

Speaking of dehydration, while you drink plenty of water, make sure it’s enough—aim for 2.5 to 3 liters a day unless otherwise advised, to ensure your urine is light in color, which is a good indicator of proper hydration. It’s interesting you mentioned genetics, and you’d be right; a family history of stones may indeed up your susceptibility. Other risk factors like obesity, certain metabolic conditions, and medications may also play a part, albeit less commonly. Try to maintain a balanced diet, reducing intake of high-risk foods, and consultation with a nutritionist or your doctor about personalized dietary adjustments might help address specifics. Lastly, follow up on regular kidney function tests or imaging as advised by your healthcare provider to monitor any changes early. A combination of lifestyle adjustments and regular check-ups should greatly aid in both management and prevention.

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