Different Conditions That Lead to the Formation of Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are formed by crystals that build up in the urine. They also come in several different forms depending on the mixture of chemicals found in the stone.
Among the different forms of kidney stones, the most common stone type contains calcium that is combined with either phosphate or oxalate. In addition, kidney stone formation depends on the urine's nature.
Calcium oxalate kidney stones are typically formed in acidic urine and there are various conditions that lead to their formation. These are the following:
· Hypercalciuria
Hypercalciuria causes formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones because of too much calcium present in the urine. The stone formation starts when excess calcium is absorbed from the foods ingested. The excess calcium absorbed will then form calcium oxalate kidney stones when combined with other body chemicals.
· Hyperoxaluria
This condition forms calcium oxalate kidney stones because of too much oxalate present in the urine. Kidney stones are formed when excess oxalate is combined with calcium. To prevent stone formation you should abstain from foods high in oxalate like chocolate, teas, peanuts, strawberries and beer. Too much intake of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) also causes build up of calcium oxalate kidney stones.
· Hypocitrauria
Hypocitrauria is a condition wherein too much acid is produced in the urine. Studies show that too much urinary acid will result in kidney stone formation. And to prevent this from happening, your body will need citrate.
Citrate is secreted by the kidneys that act as an acid neutralizer. This substance is proven to be very effective in preventing the build up of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Citrate normally decreases if your urine contains a great amount of acid.
Adequate amount of citrate combined with calcium make up a compound element that slows down the build up of both calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate crystals. To help your body increase the level of urinary citrate, you can take oral supplements of potassium citrate that are usually in the form of capsules, powder or liquid.
· Hyperuricosuria
A lot similar to Hypocitrauria, this condition is referred to as the increase of uric acid in a person's urine. The uric acid present in the urine will then form crystals that will eventually turn into stones. Uric acid crystals combined with calcium crystals results in the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.
The above conditions that lead to calcium oxalate kidney stones can be prevented by drinking plenty of water every day and by watching the foods that you eat. Always remember that the foods we ingest are the biggest factors to diseases. Also, exercise together with good diet help dissolve kidney stones and combat other ailments.
