How Kidney Stones Form: Step-by-Step Breakdown

Understanding how kidney stones form is key to prevention. Most stones develop through a four-step process:

1. Excessive Oxalate
   When too much oxalate is present in the urine (often due to diet or metabolic factors), the risk of crystal formation increases.
2. Oxalate Crystals
   Oxalate binds with calcium naturally present in the urine, forming tiny sharp crystals.
3. Crystal Growth
   These small crystals can cluster together over time, creating a larger, painful kidney stone.
4. Stone Formation
   Eventually, the stone lodges in the kidney or ureter, leading to pain when it begins to move.

To avoid this painful cycle, a low oxalate diet and the right kidney stone supplement can make a big difference.