Crystalline deposits, otherwise known as kidney stones are found in the kidneys and as a rule even though they don’t generally cause any kind of long term damage, those suffering with kidney stones will tell you they can be extremely painful. If you would like to know a little more about what kidney stones are and what causes them to form, read on.
The kidneys are the organs responsible for the filtration system of the body. Any unwanted substances, such as salt acids and mineral deposits are disposed of through the kidneys as they are dissolved in our bodily fluids and passed out of the body when urination takes place.
Sometimes the substances become concentrated and solidify in the kidneys resulting in the formation of small crystalline stones which have calcium as their main component. Problems arise when these jagged little stones move from the kidneys into the soft structured ureters, the tubes which take the fluid to the bladder for removal from the body.
When a kidney stone gets wedged in the ureter pain can be experienced in various parts of the body but particularly in the lower back, the side, the groin and just underneath the ribs. The pain can be lessened by the use of medication or removal of the stone(s) by surgery.
So why do kidney stones happen? When substances in the body which are used to form urine turn into a solid state and become crystallised the amount of bodily fluids run short. Problems also occur if there is an imbalance in the mineral and salt levels within the body and such an inconsistency can lead to the development of kidney stones.
Kidney disease, the administration of some prescribed medications and metabolic issues can all result in kidney stone formation. Nonetheless, there are also cases where kidney stones are created and no definite cause is evident or can be found.
An idea as to the cause of kidney stones can be discovered upon examination of the stone after it has been passed in the urine. Too much calcium within the body is often the reason for this condition arising.
Stones may be the result of hereditary disorders or deficiencies in the diet. Quite often high protein diets and urinary tract infections can create excessive urine components which, in turn, can cause kidney stones.
In order to stop kidney stones recurring, a change in lifestyle may be recommended by the family doctor. Drinking more water will be encouraged as this flushes the kidneys as well as the body’s cells and helps them to function as they should.
