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Guide to Kidney Stones: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
If you have ever had kidney stones, you probably won't need anyone to explain just how painful they can be. For those who haven't experienced them, the symptoms can come as a bit of a shock. The pain can start suddenly, spread from your back towards your abdomen, and make it difficult to get comfortable. Even after a stone has passed, you might find yourself worrying about whether it will happen again.
Kidney stones develop when certain minerals and salts in the urine form crystals that gradually build up. Dehydration is a common risk factor, but diet, family history, and certain health conditions can also play a part.
However, thankfully there are ways to reduce your chances of developing kidney stones, and several treatments are available if you do. So, I've put together 12 practical tips covering everything from recognising the early symptoms to understanding which foods may be worth cutting back on. I'll also share what actually helps prevent kidney stones, rather than relying on every home remedy you might come across online.
What are Kidney Stones, and What Causes Them?
Kidney stones are hard lumps of minerals and salts in your kidneys. They can be tiny or really painful.
They can form due to:
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water concentrates your urine.
- Diet: Eating lots of oxalates (like spinach and nuts), salt, and sugar can increase risk.
- Obesity: Extra weight can disrupt metabolism and lead to more waste.
- Family history: If stones run in your family, you're at higher risk.
- Health issues: Conditions like diabetes and gout can raise your chances.
How to Treat Kidney Stones
To treat kidney stones, you can try some natural remedies or go for non-invasive medical options. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water—aim for 2-3 litres daily.
2. Cut Back on Salt: Too much sodium can lead to stone formation.
3. Limit Meat & Fish: Too much animal protein can raise uric acid levels.
4. Fruits & Veggies: They help balance urine acidity and are nutrient-rich.
5. Citrus Fruits: Lemons and oranges can boost your urine's citrate levels to help prevent stones.
6. Herbs: Some people swear by dandelion root or nettle leaf for kidney support.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar: A little diluted ACV might help dissolve certain stones.
8. Avoid Oxalate-Rich Foods: Stay away from spinach, nuts, and chocolate if you have calcium oxalate stones.
9. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help.
10. Medications: Alpha-blockers (like tamsulosin) can help stones pass more easily and Potassium citrate might prevent new stones by making urine more alkaline.
11. ESWL: This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces.
12. Diet Counselling: Work with a healthcare provider to tailor your diet based on your stone type.
Why Kidney Stones Develop?
Kidney stones don't all form for the same reason. They develop when substances in the urine become concentrated enough to form crystals. These crystals can grow over time, eventually becoming stones that may remain in the kidney or travel into the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder.
Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type. Uric acid stones are another variety, often associated with persistently acidic urine. Struvite stones can develop following certain urinary tract infections, while cystine stones are linked to a rare inherited condition.
Not drinking enough water is one of the main risk factors because it leaves less fluid available to dilute the substances in your urine. However, dehydration isn't the whole story. Some people are more prone to kidney stones because of their family history, medical conditions or the way their bodies process particular minerals.
This is why the advice given to one person may be different from what works for someone else. If you've had kidney stones before, ask your doctor whether the stone can be analysed. Blood tests and urine tests may also help identify the cause, especially if the problem keeps returning.
Knowing what you're dealing with makes it much easier to work out which changes are likely to be worthwhile.
1. Drink Enough Water Every Day
Drinking water might sound like obvious advice, but it is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent kidney stones. When you're not getting enough fluid, your urine becomes more concentrated, making it easier for crystals to form.
The trick is to drink regularly rather than waiting until you're thirsty. Keep a bottle of water nearby while you're working, have a glass with your meals, and take some with you when you go out. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or exercise in warm weather, remember that you'll probably need extra fluids to replace what you lose through sweating.
People who are prone to kidney stones are often advised to produce around 2 to 2.5 litres of urine a day. Reaching that amount may require drinking approximately 2.5 to 3 litres of fluid, although this varies depending on the weather, activity levels and individual health needs.
If plain water isn't particularly appealing, there's no need to force yourself to drink it all day without a break. Add a little lemon juice, keep a jug in the fridge, or alternate water with other suitable healthy drinks like beneficial herbal teas.
One important point: drinking more water isn't appropriate for everyone. If you have a heart or kidney condition that requires you to restrict fluids, check with your healthcare professional before increasing your intake.
2. Don't Ignore the Symptoms
Kidney stones can be surprisingly difficult to identify at first. A small stone might pass without causing any noticeable problems, whereas a larger one can cause pain severe enough to send you to the emergency department.
The pain often starts in the back or side, just beneath the ribs. It can move towards the lower abdomen or groin and may come in waves, becoming intense before easing off again. Some people find they cannot get comfortable, no matter how they sit or lie down.
You might also notice blood in your urine, a burning sensation when passing urine, or the need to visit the toilet more frequently. Nausea and vomiting can occur too, particularly when the pain is severe.
Of course, these symptoms don't automatically mean you have kidney stones. Back pain and abdominal pain can have several different causes, such as having a poor ergonomic desk set-up, so it's important to get the right diagnosis rather than trying to work it out yourself.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop severe pain. Fever, chills, persistent vomiting, or difficulty passing urine are particularly concerning. A stone that blocks the urinary tract while an infection is present can cause serious complications and needs emergency treatment.
It is always better to get worrying symptoms checked than to assume they'll eventually disappear.
3. Find Out Which Treatment Is Right for You
Finding out that you have a kidney stone doesn't necessarily mean you'll need to start preparing yourself for surgery. Smaller stones often pass naturally, although this can be uncomfortable and may take days or weeks, depending on their size and location.
Your doctor may recommend pain relief and monitoring while you wait for the stone to pass. In some cases, medication can help relax the muscles in the urinary tract, making it easier for the stone to move through.
When a stone is too large to pass comfortably or is causing a blockage, a procedure like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) may be needed. James from the clinic Urocare says ESWL is a non-surgical treatment that uses focused shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass naturally in your urine.
During the procedure, you lie on a treatment table while ultrasound or X-ray imaging helps guide the shock waves towards the stone. It usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and most people go home the same day.
You may experience some blood in your urine, bruising, or discomfort as the fragments pass over the following days or weeks. ESWL is not suitable for every stone, so your urologist will explain whether it is the right option for you.
Another option is ureteroscopy, which involves passing a thin instrument through the urinary tract to reach and remove the stone or break it into smaller pieces. For larger or more complicated stones, a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be recommended. This involves removing the stone through a small incision in the back.
The treatment you receive will depend on the circumstances, including the size of the stone and whether it is affecting the flow of urine. An infected, blocked kidney is a more urgent situation. Treatment may involve draining the kidney and giving antibiotics before the stone is removed.
If you suspect you have kidney stones, don't assume that drinking water and waiting will always be enough. A medical assessment can establish whether the stone is likely to pass naturally or whether you need further treatment.
4. Keep Calcium in Your Diet
One piece of advice about kidney stones that often surprises people is that cutting calcium out of your diet can actually be counterproductive.
Calcium oxalate stones form when calcium and oxalate combine. It might seem logical to avoid calcium altogether, but dietary calcium can bind to oxalate in your digestive system. This helps prevent some of the oxalate from being absorbed into your bloodstream and passed into your urine. In other words, getting enough calcium from food can actually help reduce the risk of certain kidney stones.
Milk, yoghurt and cheese are familiar sources, but there are other options if you don't eat dairy. Calcium-fortified plant-based drinks can be useful, although it's worth checking the label because the amount varies between brands. Some tofu products are also good sources, depending on how they are made.
Most people should aim to meet their calcium requirements through a balanced diet rather than automatically turning to supplements. If you've had kidney stones, speak to your doctor before taking calcium supplements or making substantial changes to your intake.
There's no need to give up nutritious foods unnecessarily. The important thing is to understand which type of stone you have and make dietary choices based on that information.
5. Cut Back on Excess Salt
Salt is easy to overlook, especially when so much of it is already present in everyday food. Even if you rarely add salt at the table, you could still be eating more than you realise. A high salt intake can increase the amount of calcium your kidneys release into your urine. For people who are susceptible to calcium kidney stones, this can make a difference.
Some of the main culprits are ready meals, crisps, packet soups, stock cubes, processed meats, takeaway food and bottled sauces. You don't have to stop eating all these foods, but checking labels and choosing lower salt alternatives where possible is a sensible start.
UK guidelines recommend that adults consume no more than 6g of salt a day. That includes the salt already contained in food, not just what you add when cooking. Reducing salt doesn't have to mean eating bland meals. Garlic, black pepper, chilli, paprika, lemon juice and fresh herbs can all add flavour without relying on extra salt.
If you cook from scratch fairly often, it's usually easier to control how much salt goes into your meals. Small lifestyle adjustments can add up over time, particularly if you regularly eat processed foods.
For anyone who has had kidney stones more than once, salt intake is worth discussing with a healthcare professional as part of a wider prevention plan.
6. Take a Look at Your Protein Intake
Protein is essential for good health, so there's no reason to avoid it altogether. However, eating large amounts of animal protein may increase the risk of certain kidney stones in some people. Meat, poultry, fish and seafood contain purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid. When uric acid levels are high, or urine is consistently acidic, uric acid stones can be more likely to form.
A diet very high in animal protein can also affect other substances in the urine that help protect against stone formation. You don't necessarily need to make dramatic changes to your meals. If meat or fish features heavily in your diet, try introducing a few alternatives during the week. Dry pantry staples like lentils, chickpeas, beans and tofu can all provide protein and make meals a little more varied.
For example, you could make a lentil curry, add chickpeas to a salad, or swap a meat-based filling for beans in a homemade wrap. These are straightforward changes that don't require a completely different approach to cooking.
If you've been diagnosed with uric acid stones, your doctor may recommend more specific dietary changes. Some people also need medication to manage uric acid levels or reduce the likelihood of further stones. The important thing is not to assume that protein is the problem without knowing more about your condition. Dietary advice should take your stone type and overall health into account.
7. Include Citrus Fruits in Your Diet
Lemons and other citrus fruits contain citrate, which can help prevent certain kidney stones from forming. Citrate binds to calcium in the urine and makes it harder for crystals to develop and grow. Adding lemon juice to a glass of water is a simple way to include more citrus in your day. If you enjoy oranges, these can be part of a balanced diet too.
However, there is a limit to what citrus fruit can do. Lemon water isn't a reliable treatment for an existing kidney stone, and there is no guarantee that drinking it regularly will prevent stones from returning.
For people who repeatedly develop certain types of kidney stones, a doctor may prescribe potassium citrate. This helps change the chemical balance of the urine and can reduce the risk of further stones in suitable patients.
Potassium citrate isn't suitable for everyone. It can be dangerous for people with certain kidney conditions or those taking medicines that increase potassium levels, so it should only be taken under medical supervision.
For everyday purposes, eating fruit and drinking enough water are reasonable habits to maintain. If you've experienced kidney stones repeatedly, ask your doctor whether your citrate levels should be checked. A urine test can help determine whether a more targeted approach would be useful.
8. Get to Grips with How Oxalate Works
Oxalate is a natural compound found in many foods, including spinach, rhubarb, beetroot, almonds, peanuts and chocolate. Tea can also contribute to your intake. For most people, there's no need to worry about oxalate in ordinary meals. However, people who develop calcium oxalate stones and have high levels of oxalate in their urine may benefit from making some changes.
This doesn't mean you need to remove every food on the list. Many foods containing oxalate are nutritious, and cutting out too many ingredients can make it harder to maintain a balanced diet. Instead, focus on finding out whether oxalate is actually contributing to your kidney stones. Your doctor may recommend a 24-hour urine test, which measures several substances involved in stone formation.
If your oxalate levels are high, you may be advised to reduce particularly concentrated sources. Eating calcium-rich foods alongside meals can also help because calcium binds to oxalate in the digestive system, reducing the amount absorbed.
For example, you may not need to give up brain-boosting foods like nuts or leafy greens entirely. Adjusting portions and making sure you get enough calcium may be more appropriate, depending on your circumstances.
If you've been dealing with recurring kidney stones, ask your healthcare professional for advice before making major dietary changes. The aim is to manage your risk without unnecessarily restricting foods that provide useful nutrients.
9. Keep Moving and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Regular exercise isn't a guaranteed way to prevent kidney stones, but staying active can support your general health and help you maintain a healthy weight. Obesity and certain metabolic conditions are associated with an increased risk of some types of kidney stones.
You don't need an expensive gym membership or a complicated fitness plan. Walking, swimming, cycling, and gardening are all good ways to get moving. Even a short walk during the day is a reasonable place to start if you've been spending a lot of time sitting down.
The main thing is to find activities that fit into your routine. If you enjoy being outdoors like me, then a regular walk might be easier to stick to than a strict exercise programme. If you prefer exercising at home, simple workouts can be just as useful for keeping active.
Remember to drink enough water when exercising, especially if the weather is warm or you're sweating more than usual. Losing too much fluid can leave your urine concentrated, which is something you want to avoid if you're prone to kidney stones.
Your eating habits matter too, but there is no need to follow an extreme diet. A varied diet with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and suitable protein sources is a good starting point. Kidney stones can affect people of all shapes and sizes, so don't assume that being active or maintaining a healthy weight will eliminate your risk. These habits are just one part of looking after your health.
10. Be Wary of Kidney Cleanses and Home Remedies
There is no shortage of advice online about getting rid of kidney stones naturally. Apple cider vinegar, herbal teas, lemon juice, and various supplements are often promoted as ways to dissolve stones or flush the kidneys.
Some of these suggestions sound appealing, particularly if you're hoping to avoid medical treatment. However, there is limited evidence that many popular home remedies can dissolve existing kidney stones or reliably prevent them from returning.
Drinking enough water is genuinely useful for prevention, but it won't necessarily help a stone pass if it is too large or blocking the urinary tract. In that situation, medical treatment may be needed.
It's also worth checking the supplements you take. High doses of vitamin C can increase urinary oxalate in some people, while certain herbal products may interact with medicines. Potassium supplements can be particularly risky for people with impaired kidney function or those taking certain prescription drugs.
If you regularly take vitamins, minerals or herbal products, mention them to your doctor, especially if you've had kidney stones before. There's nothing wrong with preferring simple, everyday approaches to looking after your health. The important thing is to know the difference between a sensible preventative habit and a treatment that hasn't been shown to work.
If you develop severe pain, fever, chills, persistent vomiting or difficulty passing urine, seek urgent medical care rather than trying a home remedy.
How to Reduce the Chances of Kidney Stones Returning
Having one kidney stone can be bad enough, so naturally, you want to avoid going through the same experience again. Unfortunately, kidney stones can recur, particularly when the underlying cause hasn't been identified.
If you pass a stone, your doctor may ask you to collect it for analysis. Knowing its composition can help establish why it formed and which preventative measures are most likely to help.
Depending on your medical history, you may also be offered blood tests or a 24-hour urine collection. These tests can look for factors such as high calcium or oxalate levels, low citrate levels, and increased uric acid.
The results may lead to fairly straightforward recommendations, such as drinking more water or reducing salt. In other cases, you might need more specific dietary advice or medication to lower the risk of another stone.
It helps to make any recommended changes part of your normal routine. Keep a water bottle nearby, pay attention to salt levels in packaged foods, and follow any dietary advice that has been given specifically for your condition.
If you have had kidney stones several times, ask whether you need further investigations or regular follow-up appointments. Recurring stones are worth looking into rather than simply dealing with each episode as it happens.
There is no way to guarantee that you will never develop another stone, but understanding your personal risk factors gives you a much better starting point.
To conclude
Kidney stones can be painful, disruptive and, at times, frightening, particularly when the symptoms appear without warning. Knowing what causes them and recognising when something isn't right can make it easier to get the help you need.
For everyday prevention, drinking enough water and keeping your salt intake under control are good places to start. A balanced diet matters too, although the foods you need to pay attention to will depend on the type of kidney stone you've had.
If you're recovering from a kidney stone or have experienced several episodes, don't feel that you have to work everything out on your own. Your doctor can help identify possible causes and decide whether dietary changes, further tests, or medication would be beneficial.
Be cautious about advice promising to dissolve kidney stones with a particular drink or supplement. Some simple habits can help reduce your risk, but an existing stone may need proper medical treatment, particularly if it causes a blockage.
Above all, don't ignore severe pain, fever, chills, persistent vomiting, or difficulty urinating. These symptoms need urgent assessment.
You don't need to change your entire lifestyle overnight. Start with the advice that's relevant to you, make manageable adjustments, and get professional guidance when necessary. A little more understanding of your own kidney health can go a long way towards reducing the risk of future problems.
