Having a calcium oxalate stone can be a painful experience, but by understanding how these stones form, you may be able to prevent a recurrence. Men, Caucasians and people over 40 are more prone to kidney stones than others, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, and the incidence of these stones has risen in recent years. For some, dietary remedies are effective for both treatment and prevention.
Description
Calcium oxalate kidney stones form from the combination of calcium and oxalates or oxalic acids, compounds that can be produced in the body or consumed in foods. These compounds build up in the form of mineral salts on the kidney walls and eventually can coalesce into small stones. These stones often pass out through the urethra, a painful process.
Cause
In some cases, calcium oxalate stones form due to excess calcium in the urine, a condition called hypercalciuria. Hypercalciuria may result from genetic disorders or a diet too high in salt, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hyperoxaluria, an excess of oxalic acid or oxalates in the urine, is a more common cause of these stones. Genetic disorders, an excess of oxalates in the diet or difficulties processing oxalates can cause this condition. Low levels of urine make the formation of these stones more likely, UMMC indicates, since urine naturally flushes the kidneys clean of crystallized salts.
Prevention/Solution
People with calcium oxalate stones and specific genetic conditions may be able to prevent recurrences by following a low-oxalate diet, according to MayoClinic.com. This type of diet involves cutting out foods that are high in oxalates, such as wheat bran, spinach, rhubarb, chocolate and peanuts. In people without a genetic susceptibility to dietary oxalates, other dietary methods are more effective, including reducing fats, protein and salt in the diet and balancing calcium intake with potassium and phosphorus, MayoClinic.com indicates. Drinking a large amount of water also can help prevent the buildup of calcium oxalate stones.
Misconceptions
Because calcium oxalate stones are partially comprised of calcium, some people think that limiting this mineral in the diet could help reduce these stones. On the contrary, as long as calcium levels are balanced with potassium and phosphate intake, a reasonable calcium intake of 1,000 to 1,300 milligrams per day is recommended by the UMMC. Dietary calcium is better for obtaining this recommended intake than supplements.
Treatment
In about 85 percent of people with calcium oxalate stones, the stones resolve on their own and pass out the urinary tract within a few days, according to the UMMC. Excess water consumption can help this process along. In some cases, surgery or medication to help dissolve the stone may be required. Medications used for calcium oxalate stones include diuretics and medicines that add phosphate to the diet.
