What Causes Kidney Stones?

The test result came back and the doctor said that I didn't have diabetes but I might have a urinary tract infection and possibly have a kidney stone. I left the emergency room with a bottle of antibiotics and a pain killer and headed over to have some more tests done. Long story short, the tests were inconclusive and I was sent home. I continued to take the antibiotics and pain killer and headed back to work that night. The pain continued and it seemed to be moving from the left side of my back and as a couple of days went by the pain was now towards my front left side. Days went by and the pain continued. Seemed like I was running to the bathroom every 10 minutes.

As I went to the bathroom one day, oops, out pops something that looks like a small rock. Hate to be disgusting but I saved it and took it to a urologist. Yes, I definitely had a kidney stone.

The doctor hands me a brochure which tells me what causes kidney stones. He says that mine is made up of calcium oxalate. The brochure mostly spoke of diet and the doctor told me that I should cut down on the coffee, Snickers bars, and green leafy vegetables but that I would be ok to eat doughnuts. Yes, that came from a doctor.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Dehydration
Certain drugs (ie Lasix, diuretics)
Diet
Inflammatory bowel disease
Gout
Heredity

Urinary tract infections, kidney disorders, and metabolic disorders may cause kidney stones to form. Cystinuria (inherited recessive metabolic disorder) and hyperoxaluria (excessive urinary oxylate) are rare metabolic disorders which can cause kidney stones.

I found out that I was almost in a constant state of dehydration and needed to drink more water.

I found it sorta funny that my doctor told me to limit eating green leafy vegetables and eat doughnuts instead. But he may have been on to something. Diet can play a prominent role in those who suffer from kidney stones and since my test came back to show that my kidney stone was made of calcium oxalate, was told to avoid the following foods:

* rhubarb
* spinach
* beets
* wheat germ
* soybean crackers
* peanuts
* okra
* chocolate
* sweet potatoes

and to limit foods in the list below:

* grits
* grapes
* celery
* green pepper
* red raspberries
* fruit cake
* strawberries
* marmalade
* liver

I was also told to cut down or cut back on caffeine and especially black tea and coffee.