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Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, form in one or both kidneys when there are high levels of minerals and salts in the urine. This condition is more common among men, though women are also at risk. Symptoms include pain in the lower back, blood in the urine, pain while urinating or difficulty urinating or difficulty urinating, bad smelling urine, and constant need to urinate.
In this article, we will discuss six primary risk factors for kidney stones, including lifestyle, certain health conditions, and medication intake.
One of the main reasons people develop kidney stones is not producing enough urine. This often happens when the body gets dehydrated due to light and heavy exercise, working or living in hot conditions, or simply not drinking enough fluids. When urine levels are low, it becomes dark and concentrated, with less liquid to dissolve the salts in it. This makes it easier for stones to form.
To lower the risk of kidney stones, adults should aim to produce at least 2.5 litres of urine daily. This usually means drinking about 3 litres of fluids per day. Water is the best choice, but the key is to drink enough fluids regularly.
What you eat can also impact your chances of developing kidney stones. A common type of kidney stone, calcium stones, often happens due to high calcium levels in the urine. However, this is not always related to how much calcium you eat. Cutting back on dietary calcium does not usually stop kidney stones from forming and could even harm your bones. Instead of limiting calcium, doctors often recommend lowering your salt (sodium) intake. Too much salt in your diet can increase calcium in your urine, which encourages stone formation.
Oxalate, a natural substance found in certain foods, is another culprit for kidney stones. Foods rich in oxalate, like spinach and nuts, can raise your risk.
A diet high in animal proteins—like beef, pork, chicken, or fish—can also lead to kidney stones. This is because it increases the acid levels in your body and urine, making it easier for stones to form. Meat also breaks down into uric acid, raising the risk of both uric acid and calcium stones.
Digestive issues, like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or surgeries like gastric bypass, can increase the risk of kidney stones. These conditions often cause diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration and lower urine levels. Additionally, they may cause your body to absorb too much oxalate, increasing its levels in your urine. Both low urine volume and high oxalate levels contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.
Being overweight does not just affect overall health; it also changes how your body processes certain substances, including acids in your urine. When the balance of acids shifts, it creates an environment where kidney stones can more easily form. Obesity is also linked to other conditions like diabetes, which can further increase the risk of stones. In addition, the larger body size can lead to higher levels of substances in the urine, like calcium or oxalate, that contribute to stone formation.
Certain health conditions can significantly raise the chances of kidney stones:
Overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism): These glands control how calcium is used in your body. If one or more of these glands grows abnormally, it can cause too much calcium in the blood and urine. High calcium levels are a major factor in the formation of calcium-based kidney stones.
Distal renal tubular acidosis: This is a condition where the body cannot remove enough acid through the urine, causing acid to build up in the blood. Over time, this increases the risk of calcium phosphate stones.
Genetic disorders: Some rare inherited conditions directly lead to kidney stones:
Understanding these conditions can help with early detection and proper management of kidney stone risks.
Genetics play a significant role in kidney stone formation. If a close family member, like a parent or sibling, has had kidney stones, your chances of developing them increase dramatically. This is because you might inherit certain traits that make your body more prone to forming stones.
Yes, while kidney stones are more common in adults, children can also develop them, especially if they have a family history or certain metabolic conditions.
Yes, certain foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate, can increase the risk of kidney stones for some people. It is best to consume these in moderation.
Lithotripsy uses shock waves to break large stones into smaller pieces, making it easier for them to pass through the urinary tract naturally.
Yes, the most common types include calcium stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones, each with distinct causes and treatment options.
Regular screening is advisable for those with a history of kidney stones, typically once a year or as recommended by a healthcare provider.
Identifying risk factors for kidney stones early on can help prevent serious complications. If you have questions about kidney stones, get in touch with us to book an appointment at your nearest Pantai Hospitals to receive professional advice to help kickstart your health journey. To make an appointment for health screening, please contact the health screening centre at the Pantai Hospitals nearest to you.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.
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