Kidney stones are hard masses that develop from crystals when they separate from the urine. The urine contains chemicals that usually prevent the crystals from forming. When the concentration of crystals in the urine increases, however, it can render the chemical inhibitors useless and promote the formation of kidney stones.
Kidney Stone Formation
Foods that are high in protein often contain high amounts of chemical substances called purines. When you eat protein foods, such as meat, beans and nuts, the body breaks down the purine and produces uric acid as a result. In normal circumstances, uric acid travels through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is eventually eliminated through the urine. If you eat a diet that is very high in protein, the kidneys may not be able to efficiently eliminate all of the created uric acid. As a result, the uric acid accumulates in the kidneys and eventually forms uric acid kidney stones.
Risk Factors
Kidney stones usually develop in adults over the age of 40, according to MayoClinic.com. A family or personal history of kidney stones also increases the risk of developing uric acid kidney stones. Dehydration may also cause the urine to become very concentrated, which can increase the likelihood of kidney stones.
Symptoms
Small kidney stones usually do not cause any symptoms. Symptoms usually occur when kidney stones travel to the ureter and block the flow of urine. Symptoms include severe pain in the back and side, pain during urination, changes in urine color, nausea, vomiting, increased need to urinate, fever and chills, according to MayoClinic.com.
Prevention
In order to avoid the development of uric acid kidney stones, it is important to avoid eating a diet too high in protein. The Food and Nutrition Board, which is a subgroup of the Institute of Medicine, recommends that adults get approximately 10 percent to 35 percent of their calories from protein. This generally is around 0.8 g per kilogram of body weight. It is also best to avoid foods that are high in purines when choosing protein sources. These foods include beef, pork, lamb, bacon, liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried peas and beans.
Treatment
Most small kidney stones pass on their own without any medical intervention. Increasing water intake can help to increase urine production and may help you pass the stone more quickly. If the kidney stone is large or does not pass on its own, a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy may be used. This procedure involves the use of sound waves to create vibrations that may break up the stones and help them pass. If this procedure is unsuccessful, the stones may need to be surgically removed.
