Introduction

• According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, kidney stones are the most common problem associated with the urinary tract. In fact, nearly 3 million people seek out medical attention for kidney stones each year.
  
  

Stone Structure

• A kidney stone is usually made up of calcium mixed with either phosphate or oxalate. When combined with urine, other substances in the urine keep crystals from forming. However, when separated from urine, or if the urine lacks enough substance to prevent crystals from forming, kidney stones can form. This can be aggravated by eating foods that are high in oxalate or phosphate, such as spinach, chocolate, beets and rhubarb.
  
  

Infection

• Kidney stones can also develop during a urinary tract infection. These stones are made up of a mixture of calcium, phosphate and ammonia, and are often referred to as struvite stones.
  
  

Uric Acid

• Kidney stones can also form when there is too much uric acid in the body. This is especially common for those who struggle with gout. Uric acid is the byproduct of purine being metabolized. The uric acid then exits the body in the urine. However, in some health conditions, such as gout, uric acid levels become too high. Without enough urine to dilute the uric acid, crystals can form leading to kidney stones.
  
  

Contributing Factors

• There are many contributing factors to the development of kidney stones. Not drinking enough water is one of the largest contributors to kidney stones. Water helps dilute the products in urine which keeps crystals from forming. Diets high in salt can also contribute to kidney stone formation since salt can increase the calcium levels in your urine.