Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits which have built up in the kidneys, typically caused by dietary sources including high levels of animal protein, refined sugars, acidic fruits and sodium. Symptoms depend on the size and position of the kidney stone, and may include frequent and urgent urination, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, or sudden, sharp pain in the kidney region. Treatment depends of the severity of the patient’s symptoms; in many cases, a “watch and wait” approach is favored if symptoms aren’t problematic. Surgical removal or the administration of medications designed to induce the patient to pass the stones in the urine are also options.
