Statistically, men are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones than women. This painful condition can flare up repeatedly throughout a man’s lifetime. When you want to lower your own risk factors for kidney stones, you can benefit by learning about the most common causes for them in men.
Family History
If you have a family history of kidney stones, chances are you will suffer from them at some point in your life. Your own genetic makeup could make it nearly impossible for you to avoid them. You could be on the path to follow in the footsteps of your parents, grandparents, and others who have likewise suffered from kidney stones in their lifetimes.
Even so, you can take certain measures to prevent kidney stones from happening so often. The best way to decrease your risk of kidney stones is to drink plenty of water and avoid too much caffeine. Proper hydration along with avoiding carbonated and caffeinated drinks help take care of your kidneys and prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Obesity
Obesity changes the chemical makeup inside of your body. When you are significantly overweight, you alter the chemistry inside of your kidneys, making it more likely for stones to form.
When you suffer from them on a frequent basis, you could lesson your pain and the rate at which they occur by losing weight. Adding exercise to your daily regimen also promotes healthy blood flow throughout your internal organs including your kidneys, which could prevent stones from forming.
Medications
Some types of medications also make it easier for kidney stones to form. Specifically, medications that have calcium and Vitamin C in them change the chemistry in the kidneys in such a way that makes it easier for stones to form.
If possible, you should cut back on using supplements and medications with calcium and Vitamin C in them. You should discuss this medication change with your doctor first, however. Your doctor may be able to recommend other medications for you to take that will lower your risk of kidney stones while still addressing other conditions from which you might suffer.
Kidney stones cause debilitating pain for anyone who suffers from them. When you want to lower your risk for them, you could take preventative measures when possible. These risk factors may be within your control and could help you avoid kidney stones in the future.