Monday, April 8, 2019

Kidney Stones and Why You're Peeing Rocks

Kidney stones (ephrolithiases, urolithiases or renal calculi) are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. The primary cause of kidney stones is dehydration, as minerals such as phosphate, calcium and oxalate can not be dissolved and diluted, causing large deposits that must be ejected through the urinary tract.


Kidneys stones can cause immense pain, as these minerals can not only press on the urinary tract causing pain, but may also cause blockages, that can cause backflow and bleeding. This can become a major issue as bladders can not expand by large amounts, and therefore will exact through other places where it can.

Though these stones are often small, these crystals can form to be rather large.The most common form: Calcium Oxalate, forms when a calcium ion is introduced into the kidneys, they bond with the oxalate compound of urine to form a strong crystalline structure known as nightlis. This process is known as nucleation.

These crystals then undergo growth within the Renal Papilla, where crystals stick together to grow to sizes that cause lodging within the urinary tract. Though other forms may involve supersaturation or inhibitors due to deficiencies, however these are often more uncommon.

Several factors can cause a stronger likelihood of creating kidney stones. Some acids from meats and proteins can create ions that lead to the formation of these stones as well as well as oxalate rich food, such as nuts, tea, sweet potatoes as well as other foods. Dehydration allows for a higher concentration within urine. Calcium supplements have also been linked to an increase in these formations.




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