How Do You Get Kidney Stones? 9 Remarkably Helpful Expert Insights
“How do you get kidney stones” is a question many people ask only after experiencing the intense, sharp pain that kidney stones are known for. Kidney stones are solid mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys when certain substances in the urine become too concentrated. In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn exactly how do you get kidney stones, what factors increase your risk, how they form, how to prevent them, and how different educational systems (O-level, A-level, AP, and IB) present this topic in their syllabi.
Read: What is Organic Chemistry?
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones (renal calculi) are hard crystal masses made of minerals and salts. They can form when urine becomes overly concentrated, encouraging minerals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid to crystallize.
Understanding how do you get kidney stones requires first understanding that kidney stones are not caused by a single factor but rather a combination of diet, hydration, metabolism, and genetic influences.
How Do You Get Kidney Stones? The Core Explanation
The main answer to how do you get kidney stones is due to a high concentration of stone-forming minerals in the urine. When your body does not have enough fluid to dilute the urine—or when your diet contains too many stone-forming compounds—crystals begin to form.
Key Steps in the Formation Process
- Supersaturation of urine
Urine becomes too concentrated with minerals. - Crystal nucleation
Small mineral particles begin forming. - Crystal aggregation
Crystals stick together. - Stone growth
Over time, these crystals form stones that may stay in the kidney or travel through the urinary tract.
Major Causes: Why and How Do You Get Kidney Stones?
Dehydration
Not drinking enough fluids is the leading cause of kidney stones. When urine volume drops, minerals stay in concentrated form, leading to stone formation.
High Oxalate and Calcium Foods
Many people wonder how do you get kidney stones from food? It happens when the diet is high in:
- Spinach
- Beetroot
- Nuts
- Soy products
- Tea
- Chocolate
- Animal protein
Excess Sodium
High sodium increases calcium excretion in urine, accelerating stone formation.
High Sugar and Soft Drinks
Sugary beverages, especially colas, contribute to stone risk due to high phosphates and fructose.
Genetic Factors
If your parents or siblings had stones, your risk rises significantly.
Medical Conditions
Chronic digestive issues—like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or chronic diarrhea—change calcium and water absorption, making kidney stones more likely.
Obesity
Obesity alters urine chemistry, increasing uric acid levels.
Medications
Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, antacids with calcium, antivirals) may contribute to stone formation.
Types of Kidney Stones and How You Get Each Type
Calcium Oxalate Stones
The most common type.
How do you get kidney stones of this type?
- Eating high-oxalate foods
- Low calcium intake (calcium binds oxalate in the gut)
- Dehydration
Calcium Phosphate Stones
Form in alkaline urine.
How do you get kidney stones like these?
- Kidney tubular issues
- High urine pH
- Certain metabolic disorders
Uric Acid Stones
More common in people with diets high in animal protein.
How do you get kidney stones of this type?
- High purine foods (red meat, seafood)
- Gout
- Low urine pH
Struvite Stones
Often caused by chronic urinary tract infections.
How do you get kidney stones like these?
- Bacterial infections that alter urine chemistry
Cystine Stones
Result from a rare genetic condition called cystinuria.
How do you get kidney stones of this type?
- Genetic inability to reabsorb cystine in urine
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
While the question “how do you get kidney stones” focuses on causes, symptoms are what alert you to their presence:
- Severe, sharp pain in the back or side
- Pain radiating to the lower abdomen
- Pain during urination
- Blood in urine
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Fever or chills (sign of infection)
How Do You Get Kidney Stones During Normal Daily Habits?
Poor Hydration Routine
Drinking too little water throughout the day is the most common habit associated with stone formation.
High-Protein Diet Trends
Keto, carnivore, or heavy gym diets increase uric acid levels.
Excessive Tea or Coffee
These contain oxalates and can dehydrate the body.
Skipping Meals
This changes metabolic balance and urine chemistry.
Holding Urine for Long Periods
This increases urine concentration.
Scientific Explanation: How Do You Get Kidney Stones at the Biochemical Level?
Supersaturation
Minerals in urine reach a point where they no longer remain dissolved.
Lack of Inhibitors
Normally, substances like citrate prevent stone formation. Low citrate levels increase risk.
Crystallization
Particles begin forming, then grow into stones.
In simple terms, how do you get kidney stones is about imbalance—too much solute and too little solvent (water).
Prevention: How to Avoid Getting Kidney Stones
Drink Enough Water
Aim for at least 2–3 liters daily.
Limit Oxalate-Rich Foods
Especially if you are prone to stones.
Reduce Salt Intake
High sodium accelerates calcium loss through urine.
Moderate Animal Protein
Helps reduce uric acid formation.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Obesity is linked to multiple types of stones.
Balanced Calcium Intake
Too little calcium increases oxalate absorption.
Treatment Methods
While the focus is on how do you get kidney stones, understanding treatment helps complete the picture:
Medicine
- Pain relievers
- Alpha-blockers (help pass stones)
- Potassium citrate (prevents new stones)
Medical Procedures
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy (breaking stones using sound waves)
- Ureteroscopy
- Surgical removal (rare cases)
Educational Perspective: How Do You Get Kidney Stones in Different Syllabi
O-Level Syllabus
Topics typically include:
- Causes of kidney stones
- Urinary system structure
- Effects of dehydration
- Basic nutrition and metabolism
O-level students usually learn a simplified version of how do you get kidney stones, focusing on lifestyle and dietary causes.
A-Level Biology Syllabus
Covers deeper topics:
- Biochemical pathways in kidney function
- Homeostasis
- Crystallization and mineral imbalance
- Effect of hormones on kidney function
A-level students examine a more scientific and detailed breakdown of the question.
READ: What Is Homeostasis?
AP Biology Syllabus
AP focuses on:
- Internal regulation and homeostasis
- Role of nephrons
- Water balance
- Effects of diet and environment on metabolic processes
The explanation of how do you get kidney stones emphasizes cellular and metabolic levels.
IB Biology Syllabus
IB programs explore:
- Physiology of the kidneys
- Osmoregulation
- Detailed biochemical processes
- Genetic conditions like cystinuria
The IB curriculum provides global, analytical, and medical perspectives.
FAQs
How long does it take to form a kidney stone?
A kidney stone can take weeks to months to form, depending on hydration and diet.
Can children get kidney stones?
Yes. Poor hydration, diet, and metabolic issues can cause stones even in children.
Does coffee cause kidney stones?
Excessive coffee increases dehydration and oxalate intake, which may contribute.
How do you get kidney stones from dehydration?
When the body lacks water, urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize.
Are all kidney stones painful?
Small stones may pass unnoticed, but larger ones cause intense pain.
Does lemon water help prevent stones?
Yes. Lemon contains citrate, which inhibits stone formation.
Can stress cause kidney stones?
Indirectly—stress may lead to poor hydration or unhealthy eating habits.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how do you get kidney stones empowers you to make lifestyle changes that protect your health. Kidney stones often result from dehydration, dietary choices, genetic tendencies, and medical conditions. However, with proper hydration, balanced diet, and awareness of risk factors, they can be prevented.