Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. It
is estimated that in the United States,
1 in 10 will experience this painful condition at some time in their life. Some
factors increase your chances of landing in that 10%.
Age, Race, Sex: Kidney
stones tend to appear in people between the ages of 20 and 40. Caucasians
get them more often than African Americans, and men get them more often
than women.
Diet: A high protein
(meat, chicken, fish), low fiber (whole grains, veggies, fruits) diet may
increase your chances of certain stones.
Fluid Deficiency: If
you do not drink enough water, your urine is much more likely to have a
higher concentration of stone-forming minerals. This is why you are more
likely to get kidney stones in you live or work in a hot, dry climate and
do not replenish your lost fluids.
Medical History: If
someone in your family has had stones, you are more likely to develop one.
If you have already had one, there’s a good chance you might get another one.
Certain diseases can also increase your risk, including but not limited to
gout, chronic urinary tract infections, and cystic kidney disease.
Medications: Certain
medications can effect the development of kidney stones. Talk to your
doctor about any medications you are taking. Some diuretics increase your
risk, and sometimes diuretics decrease it.
Sedentary Behavior:
People who are not active for long periods of time are at a higher risk
for calcium stones. Bones release more calcium when they are not being
used.