Stones in the Body: Kidney Stones, Tonsil Stones, and the Stone Baby Explained

In this episode of Strange Health, Katie Edwards guides a discussion on body stones from common kidney stones to rare tonsil stones and the rare lithopedion, or stone baby. The conversation explains how stones form, what makes some stones painful, and how hydration, diet, and lifestyle influence risk. An expert, Adam Taylor, discusses alkaptonuria and stone formation in the body, while the hosts offer cautions about DIY stone removal and practical approaches to prevention and treatment. The show blends anatomical detail with real-life examples to demystify a topic that can seem gross or frightening, ending with actionable tips to stay stone-free and safe when medical care is needed.

Key takeaways include how stones form in different organs, why hydration matters, and when to seek medical help rather than attempting self-removal.

Introduction

Strange Health explores the surprising and sometimes gruesome world of stones that the body can form. From the familiar kidney stone to tonsil stones and the extremely rare lithopedion or stone baby, the episode explains what stones are, why they form, and how they can cause pain when they block flow through a tube in the body.

Where Stones Form and Why

The hosts describe stones as mineral precipitates that crystallize when the concentration of certain solutes in body fluids rises. They discuss the common kidney stones made of calcium crystals, uric acid stones linked to diet, and rarer stones that can form in salivary glands or other ducts. Inflammation and infection can also promote calcification in some tissues, producing stones in unexpected places.

Self-Removal and Social Media Trends

The episode examines videos of people attempting to remove tonsil stones at home, highlighting safety concerns and the risks of prying around the back of the throat with improvised tools. The message is clear: seek medical advice for chronic or symptomatic stones and avoid DIY stone removal.

Expert Insight: AKU and Stone Formation

Adam Taylor, a professor of anatomy, discusses alkaptonuria, a rare inherited metabolic condition that can lead to multiple stone types including kidney, salivary, and prostate stones. He explains the mechanism behind stone formation in AKU and how the distinctive black-blue stony material arises from polymerized molecules in the body.

What Stones Look Like and Why They Hurt

Under the microscope, stones can appear jagged and crystalline. The sharp edges contribute to tissue injury and intense pain when stones travel through narrow passages such as the ureters. The discussion also covers why passing a stone can be so painful and how the body manages smooth muscle contractions during stone passage.

Types and Causes of Stones

The episode distinguishes several stone types: calcium-based stones (oxalate and phosphate), uric acid stones, cystine stones, and struvite stones associated with infection. Inflammation can cause calcification in various tissues, and the salivary ducts can accumulate mineral deposits when blocked by foreign material or bacteria.

Prevention, Diet, and Hydration

Hydration is the strongest defense against stone formation, with clear, dilute urine signifying lower risk. Obesity is a known risk factor for kidney stones, so regular exercise and a balanced diet are recommended. The show notes how certain foods high in oxalates can contribute to oxalate stones and advises moderation rather than elimination of all such foods.

Treatment Through the Ages and Today

The conversation revisits historical approaches to stone removal, including lithotomy, which involved surgical removal without modern anesthesia or antisepsis. Modern treatment is far less painful and dangerous, and early detection with imaging helps prevent kidney damage and the need for invasive procedures.

Practical Takeaways

The hosts end with practical reminders: drink water, keep urine dilute, practice good oral hygiene to prevent tonsillar stones, and consult a doctor for persistent or recurrent stones. If you suspect a stone is present, seek professional evaluation rather than attempting DIY removal or self-diagnosis.

Closing Thoughts

The episode emphasizes the body’s mineral balance and the ongoing science of stone prevention and treatment, while encouraging curiosity and responsible health decisions.