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Causes and Risk Factors for Kidney Stones

It's estimated that 10 percent of Americans develop kidney stones, according to The Urology Center of Florida. And although kidney stones can effect either sex, men develop kidney stones twice as often as women. Typically, what causes the formation of a kidney stone is a lack of proper fluid intake coupled with an imbalance of minerals in the urine.

  1. Obesity

    • A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that obesity and weight gain are risk factors for a person developing kidney stones, particularly for women.

    Family History

    • A study, conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, concluded that a person who has had family members that developed kidney stones can substantially increase his own individual risk for developing kidney stones.

    Diet and Fluids

    • Research published through The Johns Hopkins University found that the high fiber, low animal protein diet, which is commonly prescribed for kidney stone patients, posed no significant benefit over increased fluid intake alone.

    High Blood Pressure

    • A study published in the British Medical Journal found a direct relationship between those with high blood pressure and an increased risk to develop kidney stones.

    Calcium

    • According to results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, those who consume a high intake of calcium (over 1,000 mg a day) in their diet can increase their chances of developing kidney stones.

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