What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when your urine has a high concentration of minerals and other substances, like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. These substances come together to form crystals. When these crystals stick together, they create hard deposits known as "stones." This usually happens when your urine doesn't have enough fluid and other elements to prevent the crystals from forming.

Picture this: your kidney stones can be as tiny as a grain of sand. You might pass one without even realizing it. But if a stone gets bigger, it can block the flow of urine and cause intense pain. Some people describe the pain as worse than childbirth.

Various factors can lead to kidney stones, including your diet and certain medications. While men are more commonly affected, recent studies show that the rate of kidney stones is increasing among women too.

Which Foods Can Cause Kidney Stones?

No single type of food directly causes kidney stones. However, if you've had calcium oxalate kidney stones before, your doctor might advise you to avoid foods high in oxalates. Oxalates are natural compounds found in many plant foods. Some examples include:

• Nuts and peanuts

• Soy foods, like tofu and soy milk

• Spinach and other leafy greens

• Rhubarb

• Wheat bran

These foods are generally healthy for most people, so only avoid them if your doctor specifically tells you to.

If you've had uric acid kidney stones in the past, your doctor might suggest cutting down on foods high in purines. Purines are chemicals found in certain foods, such as:

• Alcoholic beverages

• Organ meats

• Red meat

• Shellfish