What are some of the different types of kidney stones?

 

A kidney stone develops from crystals that separate from urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney. Normally, urine contains chemicals that prevent or inhibit the crystals from forming, however, in some people, stones still become formed. Crystals that remain small enough will travel through the urinary tract and pass out of the body in the urine without even being noticed.

  • Calcium stones - are the most common type of stones. Calcium is a normal part of a healthy diet and is used by bones and muscles. Calcium not used by the body goes to the kidneys where it is normally flushed out with the rest of the urine. In some people, however, the calcium that stays behind joins with other waste products to form a stone.
  • Struvite stones - are a type of stone that contains the mineral magnesium and the waste product ammonia. It may form after an infection in the urinary system.
  • Uric acid stones - may form when there is too much acid in the urine.
  • Cystine stones -  consist of cystine, one of the building blocks that make up muscles, nerves, and other parts of the body, can build up in the urine and form a stone. Cystine stones are rare. The disease that causes cystine stones (cystinosis) runs in families.
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October 27, 2011 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who've suffered bouts of kidney stones may have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on, new research suggests.

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October 14, 2011 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who have had a kidney stone seem to have a heightened risk of gallstones -- and vice versa, according to a new study.

Supplement users often get ample minerals in diet

October 6, 2011 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who take dietary supplements to boost their intake of minerals tend also to get more nutrients from their food than those who don't take supplements, according to a new study that suggests vitamins are often taken by the people who need them least.

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