Why Kidney Stones Are on The Rise

Approximately 10% of people will experience the excruciating pain associated with a kidney stone at least once in their lives. What’s more, that number is on the rise. In the 2000s, the prevalence rate for kidney stones was 8.8%, compared with 3.8% in the 1970s. If the current trend continues, future generations will develop more kidney stones than generations currently living. But why?

One million people struggle with kidney stones each year and scientists think they know why. A gene variation called claudin-14 may increase your risk for kidney stones by 65%. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors, such as obesity and dehydration, can worsen your odds. Fortunately, the discovery of claudin-14 has made it possible to identify those who are prone to kidney stones, and future medications may be able to help. Here’s what we all need to know...

The Genetics of Kidney Stones

Scientists are beginning to understand why some people are more prone to kidney stones than others. A common genetic variation called claudin-14 increases the risk for developing kidney stones by 65%. When the variation is inactive, kidneys are kept clean by the body’s natural filtering system. When the variation is active, calcium ends up remaining in the kidneys rather than being reabsorbed into the blood.

An increased level of calcium and other minerals, such as magnesium, in the kidneys leads to the development of kidney stones. According to the National Kidney Foundation, Calcium oxalate stones are the most common kidney stones.

Other Risk Factors for Kidney Stones

When concentrated, minerals in the kidneys clump together, forming stones. In addition to genetic risk factors, which cause minerals to be left behind in the kidney, there are certain lifestyle risk factors that create the perfect environment for minerals to accumulate and stick together.

Lifestyle risk factors include not drinking enough water and eating foods high in protein, calcium, sodium and sugar. Certain medical conditions, such as obesity, hyperparathyroidism, ulcerative colitis and gastric bypass surgeries may also contribute to the formation of kidney stones as they affect the levels of certain minerals found in the body.

Future Preventative Medications?

The genetic discovery of claudin-14, makes it possible for doctors to identify individuals who are at risk for developing kidney stones with a simple urine test. Individuals may then make the necessary lifestyle changes to lower their risk for developing a stone.

Isolation of the gene may also lead to the development of medications that will keep claudin-14 inactive. In the future, people who are prone to stones may only have to take medication to ensure that their kidneys properly filter minerals out of their system, essentially eliminating their risk for kidney stones.

~ Here's to Your Health and Wellness

Other Sources: 

https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/kidney-stones