Risk Factors of Kidney Stones

Risk factors that you can control include:

• Not drinking enough water can be a particular problem if you live or work in a hot, dry climate.
• Taking too much vitamin C or vitamin D.
• Eating a high-protein diet.
• For some people, eating a diet high in oxalate-rich foods.
• Eating a high-sodium diet, such as excessive amounts of chips, pickles, or lunch meats.
• Taking certain medications, such as acetazolamide (Diamox) or indinavir (Crixivan).
• Drinking too much apple or grapefruit juice.
• Inactivity. People with sedentary lifestyles may have more problems with kidney stones.

Risk factors you cannot control include:

• A previous kidney stone.
• Being a male between the ages of 20 and 50.
• A family history of kidney stones. Other diseases or conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (for example, Crohn's disease).
• Prolonged bed rest.
• Bladder problems caused by injury to the spinal nerves.
• A history of frequent urinary tract infections.