In general, there is no single cause for the appearance of kidney stones, but many factors can influence the probability of suffering from one or more. In any case, a stone forms when the components that make up the crystals are too concentrated in the urine, there is an imbalance in urinary pH, and/or there is a lack of naturally present substances in the urine that can inhibit the binding of mineral salts that form the crystals.
There are two types of risk factors: endogenous factors and exogenous factors. Endogenous factors cannot be modified; these are biological and genetic factors such as family history, sex, age, or the existence of predisposing diseases. Exogenous factors are those determined by the individual's interaction with the environment.
For kidney stones, the most common risk factors are the following.
Endogenous factors:
- Family history: If a family member has suffered from kidney stones, your probability of developing them will be higher.
- Surgeries and digestive conditions: Diseases such as chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel diseases, hyperparathyroidism, cystinuria, among others, and treatments like gastric bypass can lead to kidney stones.
- Metabolic diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or hypertension.
- Obesity.
Exogenous factors:
- Eating habits: Diets high in animal protein, sodium, and sugar can promote the formation of kidney stones; this is because, for example, consuming excessive salt increases the amount of calcium excreted by the kidney in the urine, thus increasing its concentration and favoring the formation of calcium crystals.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water daily increases the chances of getting kidney stones.
- Climate: geographical areas with high average temperatures are associated with a greater risk of dehydration and thus oversaturation of urine with mineral salts.
- Professions that do not allow easy access to the bathroom.
- Regarding pharmacology, excessive vitamin D or drugs such as Indinavir, Triamterene, and Sulfadiazine can alter urine components, affecting kidney function.
If you have or have had kidney stones, a healthy lifestyle combined with taking specific supplements will help you prevent recurrence.
