Alyssa Nicole Pagador

11- Gold
General Chemistry
Group 5

A kidney stone is a hard mass that forms in the kidney. Kidney stones can affect any part of your urinary tract,
from your kidneys to your bladder. Often, stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to
crystallize and stick together. A kidney stone is made up of tiny crystals or substances in the urine. These substances
are calcium, oxalate, uric acid, cystine, or phosphate, and too little liquid. Calcium oxalate crystals in the urine are the
most common cause of kidney stones. Calcium oxalate stones are caused by too much oxalate in the urine. Oxalate is
a natural substance found in many foods. This can happen if there is too much oxalate or too little liquid, and the
oxalate “sticks” to calcium while urine is being made by the kidneys. On the other hand, calcium phosphate stones are
usually caused by an underlying condition, such as hyperparathyroidism or renal tubular acidosis. They may also be a
result of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Calcium phosphate stones are formed when calcium combines with phosphate
in the urine.

Calcium oxalates and calcium phosphate are both beneficial but more harmful to man. Calcium oxalates are
naturally occurring compounds in plants. Leafy greens, legumes, and other foods high in oxalates are rich in beneficial
nutrients and have some potential health benefits. We eat them as food, and our bodies make them as well. However,
it's important to limit or consume it moderately, especially for individuals who are at risk of developing kidney stones.
Oxalates also bind to minerals like calcium, excess amounts can prevent your body from absorbing other beneficial
nutrients in your digestive tract. Calcium phosphate is most often used to treat calcium deficiencies in your diet. It is
also a supplement you can take if you don’t get enough calcium in your diet through food. A person may benefit from
calcium phosphate supplementation, particularly if they are experiencing a deficiency in these minerals. But while
calcium phosphate offers several benefits, there are also certain risks. This can include gastrointestinal distress, bone
pain, and kidney problems. Calcium phosphate stones are usually caused by an underlying condition, such as
hyperparathyroidism or renal tubular acidosis. They may also be a result of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Reducing the risks of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stone formation can be done in a lot of ways.
This includes limiting your intake of oxalate and phosphate. Drink enough fluids; with this, it will thin out your urine
and make it harder for chemicals to build up and form crystals. Avoid eating too much protein. Eat less salt because a
diet high in salt causes calcium to build up in your urine. Maintain a healthy weight through physical activity, regular
exercise, and a balanced diet can reduce risks. Consume the right amount of calcium in your diet. Eat less oxalate-rich
foods, as this reduces the chances of forming stones. Lastly, talk to a professional and go for regular medical check-
ups because they can help reduce health risks and improve your overall health.

In conclusion, a kidney stone is a hard object that is made from chemicals in the urine. It has different types,
and it includes calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Both calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate are the most
common types of kidney stones. It causes both severe pain and discomfort. Balanced intake and moderation are keys
to preventing health issues, specifically kidney stones.
References:

Calcium oxalate stones. (2023, September 25). National Kidney Foundation.

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/calcium-oxalate-stone#what-calcium-oxalate-stone

Kidney stones - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2022, June 3). Mayo Clinic.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-

20355755#:~:text=Kidney%20stones%20form%20when%20your,for%20kidney%20stones%20to

%20form.

4 Types of kidney stones and How they’re treated: Alex Lesani, MD: robotic surgeon. (n.d.).

https://www.drlesani.com/blog/4-types-of-kidney-stones-and-how-theyre-treated#:~:text=Calcium

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