| The main function of the kidneys is to filter waste from | | | | have the genetic disinclination to manage certain |
| the blood supply which we then secrete as urine. They | | | | chemicals such as cystine (an amino acid), oxalate ( a |
| do this with the help of nephrons which are fine tube | | | | type of salt) or uric acid poorly. These chemicals |
| like filters which the blood passes through leaving | | | | have the ability to stick together and form crystals |
| waste products behind. This waste then travels | | | | which leads to the bigger chances of getting kidney |
| through the nephrons, into the uterer and then into the | | | | stones. |
| bladder where it is then expelled out of the system as | | | | Climate: Dry climates might lead to kidney stones. |
| urine. Kidney stones can get in the way of this | | | | When a person lives in a dry climate, their body has a |
| process and make it harder for the waste removal to | | | | tendency to become dehydrated much more easily. |
| occur leading to a build up of waste and painful | | | | This means that they will then excrete less fluids and |
| blocking as they travel through the narrow tubes of | | | | their urine might end up becoming more |
| the bladder. | | | | concentrated. This concentration allows for closer |
| Many kidney stones travel through kidneys and out the | | | | contact of minerals and chemicals giving them further |
| urinary system unnoticed by those who suffer from | | | | opportunity to crystallize and form kidney stones. |
| them. This is because the stones are small, about the | | | | Diet: If a person is suffering from kidney stones then |
| size of a grain of sand. Kidney stones of this small | | | | their diet is going to have to change. They will be |
| caliber hardly cause complications and those who get | | | | better served to avoid foods that are high in calcium |
| them. | | | | or uric acid which are two of the building blocks of |
| However, if the kidney stone happens to get stuck in | | | | kidney stones. |
| the ureter, then it may come into contact with other | | | | Medications: Antacids and diuretic pills may lead to |
| sediments such as calcium or salt. Then the problem | | | | kidney stones because of they both could contain high |
| can snowball from there as the stone gets bigger and | | | | levels of calcium. |
| poses a threat to the urinary system. The stone can | | | | One working Kidney: People who have had their |
| then do damage to the ureter, leading to infection, or it | | | | kidney removed or donated it stand a high chance of |
| can cause serious pain as it is forced through the | | | | developing kidney stones since their one remaining |
| narrow tubes of the urinary tract. | | | | kidney will now be forced to work overtime. Have |
| Causes of kidney stones | | | | one kidney that is abnormally shaped could also lead to |
| Scientists have come up with several different | | | | this type of problem. |
| explanations as to why kidney stones may form but a | | | | How to prevent kidney stones |
| proven explanation has yet to reveal itself. Here is | | | | One of the best ways to keep crystalline masses |
| what they think may cause it. | | | | from forming in your kidneys and clogging up the renal |
| Heredity: Certain traits passed down through our | | | | system is to avoid dehydration. Keeping your urine |
| genes may be the reason. These traits may include a | | | | dilute will help minimize the chances of a stone nucleus |
| different way of absorbing minerals, poor calcium | | | | forming. |
| absorption, or poor metabolism. Some people may also | | | | |