May 3, 2019

Why Kidney Stones Are On the Rise (and What You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk)

6 tips to lower your risk

Woman drinking water filled with fruit

Kidney stones are becoming more prevalent, with the risk rising more quickly in women, younger adults ― and even kids, experts say.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Urologist Sri Sivalingam MD, says kidney stones are also appearing in patients with historically low risks of stone disease.

“With the declining health of the American public, one of the symptoms is an increase in kidney stones,” says Dr. Sivalingam. “Over the last five to 10 years, we’ve seen an increase in the prevalence of stones with more rapid increases among women and kids.”

Dr. Sivalingam offers this advice to work toward prevention:

1. Stay well hydrated

When you’re not drinking enough fluids, your kidneys produce less urine, making your urine become more concentrated and more likely to develop stones, Dr. Sivalingam says. Drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids, with at least half of that as water, and be sure to drink 1 cup of fluid before bedtime, he advises. The target is to try and make more than 2 liters of urine daily.

Advertisement

Maintaining proper hydration is even more critical in hot climates. In fact, one study predicts that global warming will increase the risks of dehydration and stone disease in the future — as much as a 30% increase in some climates.

2. Limit sodium

Poor diet and what people are eating has a well-documented link to kidney stone development, says Dr. Sivalingam. Culprit No. 1 is too much sodium, which leads to an increase in calcium in the urine. So keep the salt shaker off the table and avoid fast food, canned or processed foods. It’s also important to read food labels on everyday items such as bread, which can have a significant amount of salt.

3. Cut down on fructose

Dr. Sivalingam says too much fructose — such as the high fructose corn syrup found in many processed foods — can also contribute to stone development. To help prevent kidney stones, he recommends limiting fructose intake.

4. Eat more citrus fruits

Adding more citrus fruits to your diet, such as lemons, oranges and melons, can help prevent kidney stones, according to Dr. Sivalingam.

Advertisement

5. Calcium intake

Contrary to popular belief, calcium intake can actually help with kidney stone recurrence. Pairing calcium rich foods such as milk, yogurt or cheeses with each meal can help with calcium oxalate stones, which is the most common type of kidney stone in the U.S.

6. Be active and maintain a healthy weight

“As the obesity epidemic has continued in this country, so have the risks for kidney stones,” says Dr. Sivalingam. Obesity is strongly correlated with diabetes — another kidney stone risk factor — and to the kinds of high-sodium processed foods that increase calcium in the urine.

Related Articles

Illustration of the human body with organs depicted highlighting the gallbladder and kidney with closeups of each organ with stones.
November 17, 2022
What’s the Difference Between Gallbladder and Kidney Stones?

One is related to your urinary system, while the other is related to your digestive system

Zoom in on men's restroom sign.
October 11, 2022
Common Bladder Problems in Men and How To Treat Them

An overactive bladder, UTI, kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can affect how you urinate

Person curled up in bed holding their stomach in pain
October 6, 2021
Is Your Abdominal Pain (and Other Symptoms) Due to Kidney Stones?

Here’s how to tell if you’re experiencing a kidney stone

lemon water for kindey health
September 14, 2021
Diet Do’s and Don’ts to Prevent Kidney Stones

Say goodbye to kidney stone pain with these 7 expert diet tips

lemon water or lemonade helps stave off kidney stones
October 7, 2020
Do Gastrointestinal Issues Cause Kidney Stones?

An expert explains a complicated relationship

Notes taped to window of possible new year's resolutions with hand in foreground holding marker.
December 1, 2023
How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Pick specific, measurable goals, but also be open to changing them if need be

person holding a thermometer with stress thought bubbles above head
December 1, 2023
Yes, There Is Such a Thing as Stress Sickness

From nausea, weight gain and eczema, stress can affect your immune system in many ways

bowl of soy-based cubes with hand
November 30, 2023
Can Soy Cause Breast Cancer?

Research consistently shows that soy-based foods do not increase cancer risk

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad