The kidney is an important organ, responsible for removing the toxins from the body, balancing the pH levels, that is, making the environment neither acidic nor basic internally, producing the hormones, etc.
The kidney stone types range only because of their composition. Different chemicals suddenly harden up to form stones due to some chemical imbalances. It is basically signaling us to eat and drink in moderation, too much of anything is not good, be it proteins or vitamins or calciums!
TYPES OF KIDNEY STONES
The term kidney stones have become so generic that we forget that there are different types of kidney stones. Each stone has its specifications that talk about the distinctive problems, and treatments needed to be carried out.
So, let us tell you about kidney stone types and colors along with other details!
- Uric Acid Stones
As the name suggests, these types of stones occur when uric acid is found to be more in the urine. This kidney stone type is more common in men than in women. The typical cause for such stones are:
- Protein-rich diet – High protein diets coming from animal proteins consist of purines, mostly found in meats and fish. These purines make the urine acidic, that is, increases the uric acid levels which ultimately leads to uric acid stones.
- Inheritance – We must not forget that with all the property and legacy we inherit diseases and qualities from our parents as well. There are chances that the body is designed to possess high uric acid in the urine.
- Apart from these, there is a possibility of getting uric acid kidney stones during chemotherapy sessions. The therapy is very impactful and mostly changes the entire chemical and hormonal balance of the body.
The uric acid kidney stones are mostly red-orange-brown in colour. So, it is best to consume the acids in moderation. Drinking sufficient amounts of water is a suitable option.
- Calcium Stones
The calcium stones are mostly composed of calcium and oxalate, known as calcium oxalate stones. These are the most common kidney stone type and their colour ranges from brown to black depending on the higher concentration of either of the compounds.
Oxalates are chemical substances either consumed and absorbed from food or produced by the liver. Some of the food items rich in oxalates are:
- Spinach
- Beetroots
- Chocolates
- Nut
- Cocoa or anything made from cocoa beans
- Kiwis
- Berries
So, it is better to consume these food items at moderate levels. It is often misunderstood that since the stones are also made up of calcium, that calcium intake must be compromised. But on the contrary, an adequate amount of calcium prevents the formation of kidney stones. So, it is better to keep consuming a good amount of calcium.
- Cystine Stones
Cystine stones are a result of a hereditary disorder named cystinuria. It is a chronic condition where gene mutations cause the cystine – a type of amino acids to leak into the urine and cause cystine stones.
These stones are often recurring because the disorder has no permanent cure. However, regular medication can prevent or soften the stones to pass easily.
As we know, the primary function of the kidney is to filter the blood and remove the toxins, convert them into urine and flush it out of the body. The cysteine present in the blood is supposed to go back to the bloodstream after filtration but the disorder causes them to leak into the urine and form stones. The stones are usually yellow or pink in color.
- Struvite Stones
This kidney stone type is common in women suffering from urinary tract infections. Struvite stones are a mineral composed of calcium and phosphate crystals present in the kidney. The stones are usually formed due to bacteria present in the urinary tract. The color of the stones can be colorless, yellow, light gray, or brownish.
The stones are hard mineral deposits and grow quickly. So, it is difficult to be able to pass through these stones naturally. Since the growth is quick, it is very important to treat the struvite stones as soon as possible. The stones are capable of damaging the kidneys and creating life-threatening situations. So, it is best to visit a doctor and avail the correct diagnosis for you for a speedy start of the treatments. Common symptoms of struvite stones are:
- Blood in urine
- Pain while urinating
- Recurring fever
- Pain in the lower back and sides
CONCLUSION
So we have quite a well descriptive answer for recurring questions like – how many types of kidney stones are there and all. Generally, we tend to use kidney stones as an umbrella term, completely disregarding the importance of kidney stone types.
This may confuse the diagnosis, especially home remedies and aggravate the situation. So, it is better to be aware of the symptoms of all types and then start with home remedies or even better – consult with a doctor!
