Top 7 Causes of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi are crystal, solid masses originating in the urinary system. They mainly originate in the kidney but they can be formed anywhere in the urinary system including the urethra, ureters, and bladder. Here are the top 7 causes of Kidney stones.

7. Dehydration

This is the most common cause of kidney stones formation in the urinary system. Stones are common in people who drink less water than recommended because there is not enough water to make the uric acid less concentrated, which makes the urinary system environment more acidic. (1, 2, 3)

6. Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the small intestine. It is associated with the development of kidney stones because it causes fat malabsorption. When fat binds to calcium, oxalate is excreted in larger amounts in the kidney, increasing the risk of forming stones. (4, 5, 6)

5. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infection is the main cause of struvite stones because certain strains of bacteria secrete the enzyme responsible for creating them. Women are more susceptible to UTI and subsequently this type of stone. They can become very large and block the entire urinary system. (7, 8)

4. Renal Tubular Acidosis

This disease is characterized by the imbalance between the different electrolytes in the body. It is associated with either high or low potassium levels in the bloodstream in addition to calcium deposits in the kidney, which can form calcium stones if the condition is left untreated. (9, 10)

3. Hyperparathyroidism

About 90% of kidney stones are calcium stones. Some studies say that hyperparathyroidism (Health condition affecting the parathyroid glands) is the first and most serious cause of kidney stones. The parathyroid glands are responsible for regulating calcium in the body. Hyperparathyroidism leads to an increase in calcium excretion via the kidney, which may lead to stones. (11, 12)

2. Certain Medications

Some medications can enhance the development of kidney stones. Studies show that seizures and migraine medications such as Topamax (Topiramate) can increase the risk of kidney stones in addition to vitamin D and Calcium supplements. (13, 14, 15)

1. Sedentary Lifestyle

People who are under a lot of stress and living a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop renal stones. These people are usually obese with high blood pressure and they don’t do too much physical activity. Their diet is full of proteins and sodium and low in calcium. Smoking also contributes to the development of kidney stones. (16, 17)