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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #16431
2 days ago
20

stone reason - #16431

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I am feeling really anxious about my recent diagnosis of kidney stones, and I'm honestly just trying to wrap my head around the stone reason behind all of this. Last month, I started having these awful pains in my lower back, and thought it was just muscle strain. Turns out, after a bunch of tests, my doctor told me they found a few stones. I'm just curious – what could be the stone reason for why I have them? I mean, I'm relatively healthy, eat decent, and drink lotsa water. They told me it could be due to certain diet choices, like too much salt or oxalate, but I really thought I was eating right. Is there a specific stone reason that some people get them and others don’t? Like, is it genetics, lifestyle, or something else? I've read a bit about different types of stones, but I still don’t fully get why I ended up with them. Could there be a connection between my hydration levels and the stone reason? Or even medications I might be taking? Any info you guys could share to help me understand this stone reason better would be super appreciated! I just wanna make sure I’m doing everything I can to avoid them in the future.

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Doctors’ responses

When it comes to kidney stones, there are several factors that contribute to their formation. They can indeed form due to dietary choices, genetics, lifestyle factors, or even a combination of these. One of the most common reasons is dehydration; even if you’re drinking what you feel is an adequate amount of water, it’s crucial that fluid intake is sufficient to produce at least 2 liters of urine per day to help avoid stone formation. Stone composition can influence underlying causes. For instance, calcium oxalate stones are often related to high levels of calcium or oxalate in the diet, while high-sodium intake can increase calcium levels in urine (an environment prone to stone formation). Foods rich in oxalates like spinach and nuts might contribute to oxalate stones if consumed in excess. Genetics too play a role; if someone in your family has had kidney stones, your risk is higher. Other conditions like hyperparathyroidism or gout might contribute to stone formation as well. Certain medications, such as diuretics or some antivirals, can also promote stone development by altering urine composition. So, checking the types of medication you use with your physician might be beneficial. For prevention, continue staying well-hydrated, limit sodium intake, and moderate consumption of oxalate-rich foods. Sometimes, specific dietary changes are needed based on the type of stones you have; a registered dietitian might help tailor a plan suitable for you. Monitoring your urine and blood biochemical profile with regular medical follow-ups can also help keep things in check. If you haven’t already, ask your healthcare provider about analyzing your stones to understand their specific cause.

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