What are the main causes of kidney stones and early signs that may indicate small stones
..
What Are Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a hard mass formed in the kidneys, typically consisting of insoluble calcium compounds. The size of kidney stones ranges from grain-like, to a golf ball! While in some cases, kidney stones can cause pain, in most cases, it can remain asymptomatic, sometimes over years.
Main Causes of Kidney Stones
Several factors contribute to the development of kidney stones. Genetic, poor dietary choices, and certain lifestyle conditions make people more prone to developing these stones. The main reasons for kidney stone development include the following factors:
Not Drinking Enough Water
Water deficiency is one of the main reasons behind the development of kidney stones.
When water consumption remains low, your urine concentration increases. When minerals and salts are exposed to higher concentrations, they tend to clump together into stone formations.
Diet High in Salt, Sugar, or Protein
People who consume excessive amounts of salt, combined with sugar and animal protein, face an elevated risk of developing kidney stones. The high salt intake causes your kidneys to produce more calcium, which ends up in your urine where stones can form.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription?
Techno Mag
Learn More
Undo
Foods containing high fructose levels, along with sugar products, increase your susceptibility to developing kidney stones. The consumption of red meat and poultry together with eggs, can elevate your uric acid levels in the body which results in stone formation.
Family History and Genetics
The likelihood of developing kidney stones increases, when a family member has experienced them before. Certain inherited conditions lead people to develop stone-forming conditions, including cystinuria which results in excessive release of certain amino acids that can form stones later on.
Obesity
Obesity and being overweight, create urine acid changes that help stones develop more easily. Research demonstrates that weight gain produces an increased risk for individuals to develop kidney stones.
Certain Medical Conditions
Health problems of various kinds, raise the chances of developing kidney stones in patients. These include:
Chronic diarrhea, which can cause dehydration
Gout, which raises uric acid levels
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Several medical conditions lead to the development of kidney stones including Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among others.
Some Medications and Supplements
The use of diuretics along with calcium-based antacids, and certain antibiotics increases the risk of developing this condition. Stone development can be caused by taking excessive amounts of vitamin D or calcium, and specific other supplements.
Early Signs That May Indicate Small Kidney Stones
Small kidney stones might not trigger any symptoms, but their presence remains possible. The first few signs which indicate a kidney stone include
Pain in the Side, or Lower Back
The first indication of a kidney stone manifests as dull pain or severe sharp pain, located in your side or lower back region near the rib area.
The discomfort will either intensify or decrease in severity, while remaining gentle during its initial phases. The pain becomes more intense, when the stone begins to move locations.
Changes in Urine
Another early symptom of developing kidney stones, presents through various urine-related changes which include:
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Pink, red, or brown urine (a sign of blood)
Frequent urge to urinate, even if a small amount. This occurs because the stone changes the lining of your urinary tract, and leads to irritation as a result.
Nausea or Vomiting
When small kidney stones exist, they can cause stomach discomfort which leads to vomiting. The stone's pain signals your digestive system to react leading to this outcome. When you experience nausea without any apparent reason, while experiencing back pain or changes in your urine, it may indicate a kidney stone presence.
How to Lower Your Risk
Simple lifestyle modifications will decrease your chances of developing kidney stones. These include
Drink plenty of water every day
Eat less salt and animal protein
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid sugary drinks and foods
Consult with your doctor prior to taking supplements
Sources
Mayo Clinic
The National Kidney Foundation
The Cleveland Clinic
The Yale Medicine
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
What helps some people live to 100 and beyond; know the science behind
Why do some people live well past 100, staying sharp in mind and active in body, while others struggle with chronic illnesses decades earlier? While healthy lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, and stress management play a vital role, scientists now believe that genetics may be just as important, especially in those who reach extreme old age. Researchers have been studying centenarians to understand what sets them apart, and it turns out that many of them age more slowly and avoid major illnesses until very late in life. From inherited genes to smart habits, a blend of biology and behavior seems to be the key to unlocking exceptional longevity. What sets 100-year-olds apart A centenarian is someone who lives to be 100 or older. In the United States, only about 1 in every 5,000 people reaches this milestone. Of those, around 85 percent are women. Interestingly, many centenarians do not just live long—they live well. They maintain independence, clear thinking, and mobility even into their late 90s or beyond. Scientists like Dr. Thomas Perls, who leads the New England Centenarian Study (NECS), have found that these individuals tend to delay the onset of age-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Clearance Sale: Exclusive handcrafted handbags - now 70% off Handmakers Report Read Now Undo How much of longevity is genetic? While lifestyle choices account for much of a person's ability to live into their 80s or 90s, reaching 100 and beyond seems to rely more heavily on genetics. According to Dr. Perls, getting to your 90s is about 30 percent genetic and 70 percent lifestyle. But if you are aiming for 110, the realm of supercentenarians, that ratio flips, with genetics accounting for up to 70 percent. NECS data shows that longevity often runs in families, with siblings and parents of centenarians also living long, healthy lives. These families seem to carry protective genes that slow aging and guard against chronic illness. Can healthy habits boost your odds? Yes, while you cannot change your DNA, lifestyle choices still make a huge difference. Dr. Perls recommends these habits to support long-term health: Manage stress: Chronic stress accelerates aging. Meditation, strong social ties, and fulfilling hobbies help. Eat smart: A mostly plant-based diet with minimal meat reduces disease risk and supports healthy weight. Do not smoke: Avoiding tobacco remains one of the top predictors of longevity. Stay active: Regular physical activity, especially strength training and walking, helps maintain muscle and function. Aging well versus aging sick A common misconception is that living longer means living sicker. But many centenarians experience what is called compressed morbidity. They stay healthy for most of their lives and only experience illness shortly before death. This contrasts with people who may develop chronic conditions in their 60s or 70s and live with them for decades. NECS participants often live independently well into their 90s, showing that longer life can also mean better life quality. The science behind the study The New England Centenarian Study, funded by the National Institute on Aging and private foundations, has followed over 2,000 centenarians to better understand longevity. By comparing genetic patterns, lifestyle habits, and family history, researchers aim to uncover the biological foundations of extreme aging. Stories like that of Celia, a 102-year-old woman who still plays classical piano in public, prove that long life does not have to mean decline. It can mean thriving.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Hidden $1000 fee at your doctor's office? Here's the sneaky charge Americans just found out about
Americans have their heads out of the sand as they discover a strange extra fee on their doctor bills. Many people in the U.S. have found surprise charges after simple visits to the doctor. These charges are called 'facility fees' or 'outpatient hospital services.' They are often not explained clearly and can cost from hundreds to even $1,000 depending on the type of visit, as per the NBC News. A family in Minnesota was shocked by a $423 charge. They visited their doctor for their daughter's stomach pain. The 15-minute visit cost $201, but a separate fee of $423 was added for 'outpatient hospital services.' Another man in Ohio paid $645 in extra charges. He visited an ear, nose, and throat specialist and got charged $645 as a 'facility fee', as per the The Wall Street Journal. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Operations Management MBA Project Management Others Product Management CXO Data Science Cybersecurity Design Thinking Public Policy Technology healthcare MCA Finance Management others Leadership Digital Marketing Data Science Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics PGDM Degree Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details ALSO READ: Intel to axe 24,000 jobs — is your state or country on the layoff list? Here's who's affected most by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo One patient paid as much as $1,000 just in added fees. This happened during a urology appointment, which already had its own doctor fee. Cleveland Clinic in Florida is also under fire for charging these fees. Patients were charged $95 to $174 just in facility fees for basic visits like family medicine or a specialist consultation, as per The Sun report. Many patients feel shocked and confused One patient, Brandy Macaluso-Owens, said the charge made her heart drop. She visited a gastroenterologist in Port St. Lucie, Florida, for 15 minutes and later received a $174 bill from Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic responded by saying that the fees are legal and necessary. They said these charges follow government rules and help fund outpatient clinics and 24/7 emergency care, as per the report by NBC News. Live Events These types of fees are becoming more common in the U.S. Hospitals are hiring more doctors, and some insurance plans now make patients pay more upfront before full coverage starts. There are no laws controlling how high these fees can be. Christine Monahan from Georgetown University said most states don't have limits, so hospitals can charge whatever amount they want. Who should pay these extra fees? Hospitals and insurance companies are fighting over who should pay. The American Hospital Association says insurance should cover it. But insurance companies argue these fees don't add any real value to care. What should you do if you can't afford the charge? Patricia Kelmar from the US Public Interest Research Group says to call your doctor's office — sometimes they remove the fee. If not, call your insurance company for help or discounts, as stated by NBC News report. ALSO READ: Jazz world mourns: Chuck Mangione dies at 84 — here's what we know about his final days Surprise fees aren't only in hospitals — restaurants have them too. A breakfast chain had added a 50-cent fee to a menu item, then removed it after complaints. Other restaurants are adding things like 'living wage' fees of 18%, causing some customers to boycott, according to the reports. FAQs Q1. What is a facility fee on a doctor bill? A facility fee is an extra charge some hospitals add for using their clinic space during a doctor visit, even if the visit is short. Q2. Why are patients being charged $1,000 or more after doctor visits? Some hospitals add high 'outpatient' or 'facility' fees, which are not regulated and can vary based on the location or type of care.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Hersheypark Horror: 9-year-old dies at The Boardwalk water park in gut-wrenching incident. Know what happened
A nine-year-old child died after a tragic incident occurred at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark , the company said in a statement late Thursday. The child died the water park in Pennsylvania despite 'tireless efforts' to save the young guest, the company announced. 'From the moment our lifeguard team recognized that a child was in distress, they performed an immediate rescue, followed by continuous, coordinated life‑saving efforts by our lifeguards, on‑site first responders, and medical personnel,' John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts , said. 'The child was transported without delay to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where despite everyone's tireless efforts, the child did not recover.' Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Healthcare Project Management others Leadership healthcare Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics MCA Cybersecurity Data Science Technology Degree MBA Data Science Design Thinking Management Digital Marketing Public Policy Others CXO Finance Operations Management PGDM Product Management Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details 'Our hearts break for this child and the child's family,' he continued. 'We extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not release any personal details at this time.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Binghatti Twilight: Dubai's New Architectural Marvel Binghatti Developers FZE Learn More Undo ALSO READ: Barron Trump's soft side revealed in never-before-seen clip with Ivanka's son and internet can't handle the cuteness Hersheypark's water park death Hershey Entertainment CEO John Lawn told New York Post that the lifeguards noticed a child was in distress at The Boardwalk, the park's themed water attraction, when they jumped to perform an 'immediate rescue.' Live Events The child was rushed to the nearby Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa., but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. Lawn did not reveal the attraction where the tragedy occurred. Lawn said the safety of guests at the park 'has always been our highest priority' and an internal review will be conducted. 'To every family who visits Hersheypark, please know this: your safety and well‑being drive every decision we make,' Lawn said. 'We will thoroughly investigate this tragedy and honor the memory of this young guest by continuing our focus on ensuring the safety of our guests at Hersheypark.' ALSO READ: Travis Kelce makes romance official with Taylor Swift with never-before-seen photos from secret dates, offseason 'adventures' The identity of the child is not yet revealed and the cause of the death was not immediately known. Lawn said an internal review will take place in the coming days and the park will fully cooperate with authorities. 'To every family that visits Hersheypark, please know this: your safety and well-being drive every decision we make. We will thoroughly investigate this tragedy and honor the memory of this young guest by continuing our focus on ensuring the safety of our guests at Hersheypark,' he added. Lifeguards employed by the park must complete a 24-hour class and maintain at least four hours of continued education per month of employment, according to the company. ALSO READ: Yahoo mail down: Thousands report outage, hit by 'Temporary Error 15' outage in US The recent tragedy marks only the second death ever linked to a ride at the century-old amusement park. The first fatal incident occurred on August 25, 1977, when 16-year-old William Harter, an employee working on the park's inaugural inverted roller coaster—the SooperdooperLooper—was struck and killed by a coaster train while repairing a switching mechanism around 2:15 p.m., according to the Lebanon Daily News. While several guests have suffered injuries over the years, no other fatalities have been reported in connection with the park's rides.
