The incidence of kidney stones has been on the rise for the past 30 years, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. While the exact reasons for this increase in kidney stone occurrence are unknown, a number of specific factors are known to contribute to an individual's kidney stone risk. If you are at risk for kidney stones, talk to your health professional to determine how to best avoid this painful condition.
Age, Race and Gender
Age, sex and race can play an important role in kidney stone formation. White males over the age of 50 are most at risk for the condition. The majority of kidney stones result from a build-up of calcium in the kidneys, according to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Dietary and Kidney Diseases. As this accumulation of calcium occurs over time, older individuals are more at risk than younger ones. Men are more likely to have calcium-type kidney stones, which make up most kidney stone cases. Women, however, are more at risk for kidney stones associated with kidney and urinary tract infections.
Heredity
Calcium accumulates in individuals with an inability to process and excrete calcium in the digestive and urinary tracts. This is the result of a genetic condition known as "hypercalciuria" which is often passed on through generations. According to the NIDDK, hypercalciuria may be the cause of more than 50 percent of kidney stone cases. Consequently, individuals with a family history of kidney stones are more likely to have stones as well.
Personal History
While age, sex and heredity have roles in stone formation, the number one risk factor for kidney stones is simply a prior history of stone occurrence. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 50 percent of individuals who have had a kidney stone are likely to have a similar occurrence at some point in their lifetime.
Dietary Calcium
As most kidney stones are made up of calcium, you may expect that calcium in the diet could increase stone formation. However, this is not the case. The NIDDK explains that individuals with diets poor in calcium-rich foods are actually more likely to develop kidney stones. While it is important to have a steady diet of calcium-containing foods to maintain proper health, it is advised that those at risk for kidney stones avoid calcium supplements as these can increase stone formation. Calcium-based antacids can also contribute to kidney stone formation.
Dietary Oxalate
Calcium combines with oxalate, a compound found in many leafy green vegetables, to form solid calcium oxalate which makes up the majority of kidney stones. The NIDDK recommends that individuals at risk for calcium kidney stones avoid oxalate-rich foods such as beets, chard, spinach, squash, soybean crackers, teas and chocolate.
