Kidney Stones and Its Top 6 Risk Factors

When the urine contains high concentrations of minerals and salts, kidney stones, also called renal calculi, can develop in one or both kidneys. Men are more likely to have this condition, but women are also susceptible. Symptoms include lower back pain, blood in the urine, pain or difficulty urinating, urine that smells bad, and the need to urinate all the time.

Six main risk factors for kidney stones will be covered in this article, including lifestyle and specific medical conditions. 

Lifestyle factors that Increase the Risk of Kidney Stones

1. Low Urine Volume

A primary cause of kidney stones is a lack of urine production, often due to dehydration from exercise, hot conditions, or insufficient water intake. Low urine levels become dark and concentrated, making it easier for stones to form as salts are less dissolved.

Adults should strive to generate at least 2.5 litres of urine per day in order to reduce the risk of kidney stones. This typically entails consuming roughly 3 litres of liquids daily. The best option is water, but it is important to consistently consume enough fluids.

2. Diet

Diet can also affect kidney stones, particularly calcium stones. High calcium levels in urine often cause these stones, but dietary calcium is not always to blame. Reducing calcium intake rarely prevents stones and may even cause bone damage. Instead, doctors often recommend limiting salt, as excess sodium raises calcium levels in urine, increasing risk of stone development.

Another cause of kidney stones is oxalate, a naturally occurring chemical present in some foods. Nuts and spinach are two foods high in oxalate that can increase the risk of the condition.

Kidney stones can also result from eating a lot of animal proteins, such as beef, pork, chicken, or fish. This is because it causes your body and urine to become more acidic, which facilitates the formation of stones. Additionally, meat breaks down into uric acid, which increases the risk of calcium and uric acid stones.

3. Bowel Conditions

Kidney stones may become more likely as a result of digestive disorders such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or procedures like gastric bypass. These conditions often cause diarrhoea, leading to dehydration, low urine levels, and excess oxalate absorption, which together promote calcium oxalate stone formation.

Health Conditions that Raise the Risk of Kidney Stones

1. Obesity

Being overweight not only affects your overall health but also disrupts how your body processes certain substances, including acids in your urine. An imbalance in acid levels creates conditions that favour kidney stone formation. Additionally, obesity is often linked to other diseases like diabetes, which can further elevate the risk. Larger body sizes may also lead to increased levels of substances such as calcium and oxalate in the urine, both of which contribute to stone development.

2. Medical Conditions

Kidney stone risk can be considerably increased by the following medical conditions:

Being aware of these conditions can aid in kidney stone risk management and early detection.

3. Family History

Kidney stone formation is significantly influenced by genetics. Your risk of getting kidney stones is significantly increased if a parent or sibling has had kidney stones. This is due to the possibility that you may inherit certain characteristics that increase the likelihood that stones will form on your body.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible for children to develop kidney stones?

Yes, kidney stones can occur in children, especially if they have a family history or certain metabolic conditions, even though they are more common in adults.

2. Do some foods cause kidney stones?

Yes, for some people, eating foods high in oxalates—like chocolate, spinach, and nuts—can raise their risk of kidney stones. These should ideally be taken in moderation.

3. How can kidney stones be treated with lithotripsy?

Lithotripsy is a procedure that breaks large stones into smaller pieces using shockwaves, allowing them to pass naturally through the urinary tract.

4. Are there various kinds of kidney stones?

Yes, the most common types are calcium, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones, each with their own set of causes and treatment options.

5. What is the recommended screening frequency for someone with a history of kidney stones?

Those with a history of kidney stones should be screened on a regular basis, usually once a year or as directed by their healthcare provider.

Schedule an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Early detection of risk factors for kidney stones can help to prevent serious complications. Feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment if you have any questions or concerns about kidney stones. Our specialists at Gleneagles Hospitals are available for you to consult. If a health screen is needed, please get in touch with your closest Gleneagles Hospital's health screening centre to book an appointment.