A hard deposit of minerals that can form inside the kidneys of the body is referred to as a kidney stone. Urine is produced by the kidneys to remove waste products and excess water from the blood.
In addition to a variety of minerals, a large number of other materials pass through the kidneys with the urine. When these minerals do not completely pass through or do not dissolve adequately, they can solidify and form hard lumps in the kidneys that are difficult to pass through urination. These stones are known as kidney stones.
But why do kidney stones form in the first place? Is there a genetic link between the two? We’ll go over the various reasons why you might be at risk of developing a kidney stone in the sections following.
Can Genetics Cause Kidney Stones?
Individuals who inherit certain characteristics and tendencies from their families are more likely to develop kidney stones as a result of their genetic makeup. In the following list, you will find examples of health conditions that can increase your risk of developing a kidney stone:
Hypercalciuria
This is a condition that causes an excessive amount of calcium to accumulate in the urine. When there is an excessive amount of calcium in the urine, it can promote the formation of a kidney stone.
While hypercalciuria is a rare condition, it is often passed down through families through genetics. The risk of developing kidney stones is increased in individuals who have a parent or close relative who suffers from hypercalciuria, which can lead to kidney stones in the first place.
Hypocitraturia
This condition can result in an insufficient amount of citrate passing through the urine. Citrate can aid in the prevention of kidney stones from forming because it breaks down a significant amount of buildup, specifically calcium.
Increasing your intake of lemonade is one way to keep your citrate levels from becoming dangerously low. Your urologist can provide you with specific recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
Cystinuria
This condition results in the accumulation of an excessive amount of cystine – an amino acid – in the kidneys, ureters, and/or bladder. Cystinuria is characterized by large cysteine accumulations in the urine, which eventually results in the formation of kidney stones.
Cystinuria is a rare genetic condition that is passed down through families. As an autosomal recessive disease, cystinuria occurs when two mutated genes with this defect are passed down from one’s parents to the child who has cystinuria.
Other Reasons Why Kidney Stones Develop
In addition to genetics, there are a variety of other factors that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Some of the most common causes are listed below:
Diet
The diet of a person can have an impact on their likelihood of developing kidney stones in the future. It is believed that certain foods increase the likelihood of kidney stone formation because they contain high concentrations of minerals that are known to cause kidney stone formation.
For example, foods high in oxalate such as spinach, grits, and rhubarb cause calcium and oxalate to stick together and form stones in the kidneys. Another group of foods that should be avoided is those that are high in sodium and animal protein, among others.
Consumption of water is insufficient.
The body’s ability to prevent kidney stones is dependent on the amount of water it consumes. Because of the high concentration of water in urine, minerals are dissolved and stones are prevented from forming. When there is insufficient water available in the body, minerals have a greater chance of accumulating in the kidneys and forming lump deposits.
Problems with the Digestive System
Discomforts associated with digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease can manifest themselves in a variety of ways throughout the digestive system, including in the kidneys. When water intake and output are compromised as a result of these conditions, it can have a negative impact on the way the kidneys perform their functions, ultimately leading to the formation of kidney stones.
If you have a family history of kidney stones, it’s time to talk to a urologist to ensure you take the right precautions to reduce your risk of developing them. For sure, urologists from the Philippine Urological Association have years of experience treating all kinds of urology issues, especially pertaining to men’s health.
Make an appointment today, or request an appointment online.
Recent Comments