Kidney stones are a common and painful condition that affects most people. The minerals and salts within the kidneys cause pain when they pass through the urinary tract. If there is severe back pain, blood in urine, and frequent urination, there is a chance of growing stones in the kidney, which also contributes to bloating and weight gain. Let’s see further details about kidney stones and how they relate to bloating and weight gain.
What is a kidney stone?
A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline substance that forms in the kidneys from minerals and salt in urine. The stone may vary in size from the size of the sand to as large as a pebble. Sometimes there will be no symptoms while passing through the urine tract, but large stones can be stuck and cause pain, infection, or blockage in the urine system. If you face a kidney stone problem, visit a kidney stone specialist in Coimbatore for advanced treatment.
Formation of kidney stones:
Substances in urine like calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and phosphate become too concentrated and form kidney stones. Urine contains chemicals that prevent the formation of crystals. In some cases, like dehydration or when the balance of substances in urine is disturbed, the crystals begin to form. Over time, these crystals can combine and grow into large stones.
There are several types of kidney stones:
Calcium stones: The most common type of kidney stones that form when calcium is combined with substances like oxalate or phosphate that are present in the urine. Factors like dehydration and high calcium intake can increase the risk. This type of stone forms when urine becomes concentrated, and it allows minerals to crystallize and stick together.
Uric acid stones: When high levels of uric acid accumulate in the urine, it causes the formation of these uric acid stones. This happens when the urine is too acidic. The uric acids make crystal formations and develop into stones. Obesity and diabetes are the risk factors for this type of stone. Symptoms for this type of stone are intense pain, blood in urine, and difficulty urinating. Drinking plenty of water can prevent this type of stone.
Struvite stones: This type of stone is formed by infections in the urinary tract. They develop bacteria that produce enzymes that increase the pH of urine. Struvite stones can become large in some cases, they fill the entire kidney, and this condition is more common in women due to the higher risk of UTI. Fever and cloudy urine are symptoms of struvite stones.
Cystine stones: Cystine stones are a rare type of kidney stones that is caused by a genetic disorder called cystinuria, which affects the kidney’s process of cystine, an amino acid. In people with this condition, excess cystine leaks into the urine, where it forms crystals that grow into stones.
Can kidney stones cause bloating and weight gain?
Yes, kidney stones can indirectly cause bloating and weight gain, but these are not common symptoms of kidney stones. Some people with kidney stones do experience bloating and weight gain due to complications that are created by kidney stones. When kidney stones block the urinary tract, they cause bloating and lead to fluid retention, abdominal discomfort, and digestive issues. This bloating may cause you to feel full, heavy, and uncomfortable. The medication for kidney stones can slow down the process of digestion, further increasing bloating. The inflammation reduces the function of the kidney and makes changes in the digestion process, which contributes to bloating.
Weight gain is associated with kidney stones and can cause several problems. Kidney stones cause severe pain and result in less physical activity, which leads to weight gain. Dietary changes, like protein intake for future stone prevention, can cause weight gain. This type of weight gain is often related to water retention rather than fat accumulation, but there will be a weight gain problem.
Why does the stomach feel bloated with kidney stones?
The stomach feels bloated due to a combination of factors. The stone blockage in the kidney causes urine buildup, leading to swelling and pressure in the kidney, which can affect the abdomen. Kidney stones may slow the digestion process and trigger constipation, which contributes to bloating. The bloated stomach causes weight gain. Impaired kidney function can also cause puffiness in the abdomen. Some medications can disrupt the digestion process. If you have continued bloating, consult a gastro specialist in Coimbatore to get a clear idea about bloating and for better treatment.
Can kidney stones cause hormonal changes leading to weight gain?
Kidney stones themselves do not directly cause hormonal changes leading to weight gain, but the effect they have on kidney function can indirectly impact hormonal changes. A kidney stone is a hard mineral that is deposited in the kidney and causes significant pain and discomfort. There are indirect ways that kidney stones contribute to weight gain. Some individuals with kidney stones may also have conditions like hyperparathyroidism, which affects calcium levels in the body and influences weight gain.
Conclusion
Kidney stones are primarily known for causing pain and urinary issues, they can be indirectly connected with weight gain. Sometimes metabolic imbalances are linked to kidney stones, which can further cause weight gain issues. Seeking medical help can control weight gain and bloating, which helps in improving the quality of life.