07/07/2025
Kidney stones are hard mineral clumps that can build up inside your kidneys and cause a lot of trouble. While small stones might pass out of the body through urine without much pain, larger ones can get stuck and lead to intense discomfort, sometimes needing medical treatment or even surgery. If left untreated, kidney stones can damage the kidneys over time and lead to more serious kidney disease.
These stones form when minerals like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid become concentrated in the urine and stick together. Dehydration is one of the biggest reasons people get kidney stones. If you’re not drinking enough water daily, your urine becomes too concentrated, giving minerals the perfect condition to clump together. Other risk factors include being overweight, eating a lot of animal protein, having a family history of kidney stones, or already dealing with kidney disorders. Even certain medical conditions or medications can make you more likely to develop them.
The pain from kidney stones often starts in the lower back or sides and may radiate to the abdomen or groin. It can come in waves and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or even blood in the urine. Drinking plenty of water, cutting back on salt, and managing your diet can help prevent kidney stones from forming in the first place.