Kidney stones are one of the most common urinary tract disorders and one of the most painful experiences a man can go through. The University of Maryland Medical Center estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population will suffer from kidney stones at some point; the Center also states that once a person gets more than one stone, the chances of kidney stones recurring increase.
Certain foods may promote stone formation in people who are susceptible, although doctors believe that eating specific foods will not cause stones to form in those not susceptible. Kidney stones originate from an excess, or supersaturation, of mineral and acid salts in urine, which then causes crystals to become stones. The biggest risk factor for men to develop kidney stones, states the National Institutes of Health, is dehydration.
Calcium
Most kidney stones are calcium stones, usually in the form of calcium oxalate, which exists in high levels in some fruits and vegetables, nuts and chocolate and is responsible for up to 60 percent of calcium stones. In most people, excess calcium is disposed of in urine; for some, however, the calcium stays behind and binds with other substances to form stones. The Mayo Clinic states that dietary factors, including high doses of vitamin D, as well as metabolic disorders and intestinal bypass surgery can increase the amount of calcium and oxalate in urine, and that calcium stones in the form of calcium phosphate are less common. Diseases of the small intestine also increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones, reports Medline Plus.
Hypercalciuria, or too much calcium in the urine, accounts for as much as 70 percent of calcium-containing kidney stones, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Factors that can lead to hypercalciuria and calcium stones include having too much calcium in the intestines, excess chloride, renal calcium leaks and high levels of sodium in the urine. In these situations, both genetics and diet can take part in the formation of calcium stones, the former being responsible for about half of these cases.
Uric Acid
Most uric acid stones are caused by having too much acid in the urine for a long period, underproduction of urine, and hyperuricosuria, a condition marked by high levels of uric acid in the urine. Hyperuricosuria is a common cause of kidney stones in men. It often coexists with calcium oxalate stones, increasing both their severity and rate of recurrence, and it plays a major role in the formation of uric acid stones .
Uric acid stones may form in people who are dehydrated, as well as those who consume diets high in animal protein, have gout or type 2 diabetes or who are undergoing chemotherapy. Genetics and disorders affecting blood-producing tissues, too, are possible causes.
Urinary Tract Infections
Less common in men, struvite stones are usually caused by urinary tract infections. Struvite stones often grow quickly and can be large, thus blocking the kidneys, ureters and bladder.
Cystine
Cystine stones represent a small percentage of kidney stones, most often seen in people with cystinuria, a hereditary disorder that involves the kidneys. Cystine stones form mainly in acidic urine.
Other Causes
Xanathine stones are a rare type of kidney stone that can develop in gout patients who are treated with allopurinol. The Mayo Clinic lists other possible causes for kidney stones, including a family history or personal history of having kidney stones, a diet high in sugar, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, renal tubular acidosis and hyperparathyroidism.
