The main function of the kidneys is to filter waste from the blood supply which we then secrete as urine. They do this with the help of nephrons which are fine tube like filters which the blood passes through leaving waste products behind. This waste then travels through the nephrons, into the uterer and then into the bladder where it is then expelled out of the system as urine. Kidney stones can get in the way of this process and make it harder for the waste removal to occur leading to a build up of waste and painful blocking as they travel through the narrow tubes of the bladder.

Many kidney stones travel through kidneys and out the urinary system unnoticed by those who suffer from them. This is because the stones are small, about the size of a grain of sand. Kidney stones of this small caliber hardly cause complications and those who get them.

However, if the kidney stone happens to get stuck in the ureter, then it may come into contact with other sediments such as calcium or salt. Then the problem can snowball from there as the stone gets bigger and poses a threat to the urinary system. The stone can then do damage to the ureter, leading to infection, or it can cause serious pain as it is forced through the narrow tubes of the urinary tract.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Scientists have come up with several different explanations as to why kidney stones may form but a proven explanation has yet to reveal itself. Here is what they think may cause it.

Heredity: Certain traits passed down through our genes may be the reason. These traits may include a different way of absorbing minerals, poor calcium absorption, or poor metabolism. Some people may also have the genetic disinclination to manage certain chemicals such as cystine (an amino acid), oxalate ( a type of salt) or uric  acid poorly. These chemicals have the ability to stick together and form crystals which leads to the bigger chances of getting kidney stones.

Climate: Dry climates might lead to kidney stones. When a person lives in a dry climate, their body has a tendency to become dehydrated much more easily. This means that they will then excrete less fluids and their urine might end up becoming more concentrated.  This concentration allows for closer contact of minerals and chemicals giving them further opportunity to crystallize and form kidney stones.

Diet: If a person is suffering from kidney stones then their diet is going to have to change. They will be better served to avoid foods that are high in calcium or uric acid which are two of the building blocks of kidney stones.

Medications: Antacids and diuretic pills may lead to kidney stones because of they both could contain high levels of calcium.

One working Kidney: People who have had their kidney removed or donated it stand a high chance of developing kidney stones since their one remaining kidney  will now be forced to work overtime. Have one kidney that is abnormally shaped could also lead to this type of problem.

How to prevent kidney stones

One of the best ways to keep crystalline masses from forming in your kidneys and clogging up the renal system is to avoid dehydration. Keeping your urine dilute will help minimize the chances of a stone nucleus forming.

Kidney stones are a painful condition and passing one is an extremely difficult trial that nobody ever wants to go through. People who suffer from kidney stones usually find themselves forced to eliminate a large variety of foods from their diet for different kidney stone related reasons.  Many foods go to chopping block because they contain substances which help in the formation of these very painful kidney stones, with the minerals calcium and oxalate being the two main culprits. Both of these minerals are found in many different foods and both need to be reduced to prevent further suffering. Other foods, such as those that are high in protein, put strain on the kidneys and should also be reduced .

Here are some kidney stone diet tips aimed at helping you pass kidney stones and also to prevent more kidney stones from forming.

Protein and calcium

A diet that is high in protein tends to put considerable strain on the kidneys, which is why bodybuilders who partake in a very high protein diet oftentimes develop kidney infections.  If you have any type of kidney disorder, a diet high in protein should be avoided. Kidney stones are formed in part by calcium so foods that contain should also be limited. Dairy products which are both high and protein and calcium should definitely be avoided as should supplements that contain high amounts of calcium and calcium based antacids. Protein and calcium, however, should not be completely eliminated from your diet since your body does  need both of them in order to function properly. They just need to be cut back.

Oxalate

Oxalic acid is a substance that is found in many different plant based foods which can combine with calcium and form kidney stones. Many of the foods that contain oxalate are actually considered to be healthy foods, but when you have kidney stones, you might want to consider staying away from them.

Some high oxalate foods include:

• Spinach
• Chocolate
• Rhubarb
• Tea
• Beets
• Strawberries
• Wheat bran
• Nuts

Things you can and should eat

While there are many foods out there that you need to avoid when you have kidney stones, there are also some low oxalate foods out there that you can partake in to you hearts desire.

These include:

• Grapefruit
• Radishes
• Oatmeal
• Rice
• Green grapes
• Melons (very kidney friendly)
• Lemons (also very kidney friendly)
• Plums
• Mushrooms

Here are some other low oxalate foods that you can eat; however since they happen to be high in calcium and/or protein, their intake should be moderate.

• Yogurt
• Fish
• Poultry
• Pork
• Eggs

Soda, white flour and sugar also happen to be low oxalate and will not cause kidney stones, however since they are not really good for you, they should be eaten only occasionally.

Other things to do to help deal with kidney stones:

• Drink lots of water
• Get regular exercise

As you can see, A kidney stone diet can end up being a bit restrictive, however if you stick with it and learn what you body can and cannot absorb, you will prevent this painful condition from cropping up in the future.

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