What Makes Up Kidney Stones
Most of us have at least a passing familiarity with the concept of the kidney stone. If you are a man between thirty and sixty years of age, it is highly likely that at some point, you are going to experience the pain associated with the development and passing of at least one kidney stone.
If you are Caucasian, have a history of high blood pressure, have a family history of the development of these stones, or if you live in a hot climate, you are at an even higher risk. Even though most people are familiar with the concept, very few people are aware of what they are actually made up of. Read on to find out what exactly makes up these jagged little shards.
Calcium – Most of the mass of the kidney stone is made up of calcium. One of the byproducts of normal bodily functions is a compound known as calcium oxalate, and this compound builds up and solidifies into the stone itself. To a lesser degree, they may also contain calcium phosphate, though this tends to be a side effect of certain medical problems.
Uric Acid – Uric acid makes up about ten percent of kidney stones. Certain metabolic disorders can throw off the pH balance of the urine, and it is this imbalance that provides the conditions in which kidney stones can develop. If the urine is particularly acidic, uric acid steadily builds up and compacts into stones.
Struvite- Struvite is a somewhat less common component of kidney stones. It is made up of three different components: phosphate, magnesium, and ammonium. When you have a urinary tract infection, the buildup of bacteria breaks down the urea into ammonia, which joins with the other two components to form struvite.
While kidney stones can be prevented to some degree through a series of lifestyle and dietary changes, there is no way of guaranteeing that they will not develop. If you suspect that you are developing one, visit your doctor to ensure that you do not suffer any complications and that it does not need to be surgically removed.
Source: http://www.question-me.com