19/01/2026
Kidney stones in men and women
Kidney stones form from mineral and acid salt buildup in urine, primarily due to dehydration, diets high in sodium, sugar, animal protein, or oxalate, certain meds, and conditions like obesity, gout, IBD, or infections, with genetics playing a role, leading to crystal formation and painful solid masses.
Key Causes & Risk Factors:
Dehydration: Not drinking enough water concentrates urine, letting minerals crystallize.
Dietary Factors:
Sodium: Too much salt increases calcium in urine.
Animal Protein: High intake of meat, eggs, fish raises uric acid and stone risk.
Sugar: High sugar intake can also increase risk.
Oxalate: Too much oxalate (in spinach, sweet potatoes, nuts) or low dietary calcium.
Medical Conditions: Obesity, gout, IBD (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis), hyperparathyroidism, UTIs, and kidney cysts.
Medications & Supplements: High doses of Vitamin C, calcium supplements, some diuretics, antacids, and certain meds for migraines/depression.
Genetics: Family history increases your risk.
Lifestyle: Excessive sweating (hot climates, intense exercise).
Surgery: Certain weight-loss surgeries.
Kidney stones are hard objects made of minerals and salts in urine. They form inside the kidneys. You may hear healthcare professionals refer to kidney stones as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis.
Passing kidney stones can be quite painful.
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