Urinary Stones Cause: 9 Proven Ways to Lower Your Risk

If you are trying to understand the main urinary stones cause, start with what happens inside the urine.

Stones can form when urine becomes concentrated and contains enough stone forming chemicals to make crystals. These crystals can grow into hard stones inside the kidneys or urinary tract.

Low fluid intake is one of the most important risks, but it is not the only one. Diet, urinary infections, genetics, certain medicines, bowel conditions, gout, parathyroid disease, obesity, and other health problems can also change the chemistry of urine.

The right prevention plan depends partly on the type of stone you form.

This article is for general information and education. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Urinary Stones Cause: Quick Answer

The main urinary stones cause is crystal formation in concentrated urine.

Kidney stones can form when levels of substances such as calcium, oxalate, phosphate, uric acid, or cystine become high enough for crystals to develop.

Risk can rise with:

• Not drinking enough fluid
• Hot weather and heavy sweating
• High sodium intake
• Some high animal protein diets
• High urine calcium
• High urine oxalate
• High uric acid
• Low urine citrate
• Repeated urinary infections
• Family history
• Obesity
• Gout
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Some gastrointestinal operations
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Cystinuria
• Certain medicines

A person can have more than one risk factor at the same time.

What Are Urinary Stones?

Urinary stones are hard collections of crystals that develop in the urinary system.

The medical terms include urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis, or renal calculi.

Most begin in the kidneys.

A stone may remain inside the kidney or move into the ureter, which is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

Small stones can pass without being noticed.

Larger stones can become stuck and cause severe pain or block urine flow.

What Are the Main Types of Urinary Stones?

1. Calcium Oxalate Stones

Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type.

They form when calcium and oxalate combine in urine under conditions that favour crystal formation.

Possible contributors include:

• Low urine volume
• High urine calcium
• High urine oxalate
• High sodium intake
• Low urinary citrate
• Certain bowel disorders

Importantly, eating normal amounts of calcium from food does not automatically cause calcium stones.

In fact, dietary calcium can bind oxalate in the digestive tract and reduce how much oxalate reaches the urine.

2. Calcium Phosphate Stones

Calcium phosphate stones are another type of calcium stone.

They may be associated with urine that is more alkaline and with conditions such as renal tubular acidosis or hyperparathyroidism.

The prevention plan can differ from calcium oxalate prevention, which is one reason stone analysis matters.

3. Uric Acid Stones

Uric acid stones are more likely to form when urine stays too acidic.

Risk can be higher with:

• Gout
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome
• High intake of some animal proteins
• Persistently acidic urine

Unlike most calcium stones, some uric acid stones can sometimes be dissolved medically by raising urine pH under professional supervision.

4. Struvite Stones

Struvite stones are linked with certain urinary infections.

They can grow quickly and sometimes become very large.

This is not the kind of stone to treat with lemon water or herbs.

Treatment usually focuses on the infection and removing or controlling the stone.

5. Cystine Stones

Cystine stones are caused by cystinuria, an inherited condition that causes excess cystine to leak into urine.

They are less common but can recur.

People with cystinuria may need high fluid intake, dietary changes, urine alkalinisation, and sometimes prescription medicine.

9 Proven Ways to Reduce Urinary Stone Risk

1. Drink Enough Fluid

For most stone formers, hydration is the most important daily prevention habit.

Water dilutes the urine, making it harder for stone forming minerals to become concentrated.

NHS guidance recommends that adults trying to prevent kidney stones often drink about 2.5 to 3 litres of water each day.

Your exact fluid needs can change with:

• Weather
• Exercise
• Body size
• Kidney function
• Heart disease
• Other medical conditions

People with heart failure, advanced kidney disease, or another fluid restriction should not force large amounts of water without medical advice.

In hot weather or during heavy exercise, fluid needs may rise because more water is lost in sweat.

2. Lower Excess Salt

High sodium intake can increase calcium in urine.

That can increase the risk of calcium stones in susceptible people.

NHS guidance recommends keeping salt intake below about 6 grams per day for most adults.

Common high salt foods include:

• Processed meats
• Fast food
• Packet soups
• Salty snacks
• Some sauces
• Instant meals
• Highly processed foods

Reading food labels can make sodium much easier to manage.

3. Do Not Cut Out Calcium Without a Reason

This is one of the most common kidney stone diet mistakes.

If you have calcium oxalate stones, removing calcium from your diet is not automatically helpful.

Normal food calcium can bind oxalate in the gut, which may reduce oxalate absorption.

Good sources may include:

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Calcium fortified foods
• Other foods recommended for your individual diet

Calcium supplements are different from food calcium and may need individualized advice.

4. Match Oxalate Advice to Your Stone Type

Not everyone needs a strict low oxalate diet.

If testing shows high urine oxalate or you repeatedly form calcium oxalate stones, reducing very high oxalate foods may help.

NIDDK highlights foods such as:

• Spinach
• Rhubarb
• Wheat bran
• Some nuts and nut products

This does not mean every plant food should be removed.

Overly restrictive diets can reduce nutritional quality without improving stone risk.

5. Review Excess Animal Protein

Large amounts of animal protein can increase the acid load of the diet and may affect urinary uric acid, calcium, and citrate.

This can matter especially for people with uric acid stones or certain recurrent calcium stones.

Foods to review may include:

• Large portions of red meat
• Organ meats
• Some processed meats
• Large amounts of shellfish

You do not necessarily need to become vegetarian.

The aim is a balanced intake suited to your stone type and health needs.

6. Use Citrate Wisely

Citrate can bind calcium and can make it harder for some crystals to grow.

Lemon and other citrus fruits contain citrate.

NHS guidance suggests adding fresh lemon juice to water as one practical prevention habit.

This does not mean lemon juice dissolves all kidney stones.

Its role is mainly supportive and preventive.

Prescription potassium citrate is much more specific and may be used for selected stone formers.

It should be taken under medical supervision because it is not appropriate for everyone.

7. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight and metabolic syndrome are associated with higher stone risk.

A sustainable plan built around vegetables, whole foods, balanced portions, movement, and adequate fluids can support both kidney and general health.

Avoid extreme crash diets or very high protein weight loss plans if you form stones.

For broader guidance, visit our Weight Management and Metabolism Hub.

8. Treat Infections and Medical Causes

Diet cannot solve every urinary stones cause.

Conditions that may need specific medical treatment include:

• Repeated urinary tract infections
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Gout
• Renal tubular acidosis
• Cystinuria
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Malabsorption
• Urinary tract blockage

For example, treating hyperparathyroidism can reduce calcium stone formation when excess parathyroid hormone is the cause.

9. Find Out What Kind of Stone You Have

Prevention becomes much more precise once the stone type is known.

If you pass a stone, your healthcare professional may ask you to collect it for laboratory analysis.

People with recurrent stones may also have:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• A 24 hour urine collection
• Stone analysis
• Imaging

A 24 hour urine test can measure urine volume and substances such as calcium, oxalate, citrate, sodium, uric acid, or other stone related factors.

What Symptoms Do Urinary Stones Cause?

A small stone can pass without symptoms.

A larger stone can cause:

• Sharp pain in the side or back
• Pain moving toward the lower abdomen or groin
• Pain that comes in waves
• Blood in urine
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Pain when urinating
• Cloudy or bad smelling urine

If infection develops, fever and chills may occur.

Why Does Kidney Stone Pain Come in Waves?

When a stone enters the ureter, the ureter may tighten around it as it tries to move urine toward the bladder.

This can cause severe cramping pain that rises and falls.

The location of pain may move as the stone moves.

When Is a Kidney Stone an Emergency?

Seek urgent medical attention for stone symptoms combined with:

• Fever
• Chills
• Severe or uncontrolled pain
• Repeated vomiting
• Inability to drink
• Inability to urinate
• Very little urine
• Severe weakness
• Signs of dehydration

A blocked urinary tract with infection can become dangerous because bacteria and pressure can build up behind the obstruction.

How Are Urinary Stones Diagnosed?

Diagnosis may involve:

• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Urinalysis
• Blood tests
• Imaging

Urine testing can identify blood, infection, and minerals associated with stones.

Blood tests can help identify high calcium, uric acid, kidney problems, or other conditions.

Imaging can show the stone's size and location and whether urine flow is blocked.

CT Scan or Ultrasound for Kidney Stones?

NHS guidance notes that adults with severe stone pain may have a CT scan.

Ultrasound is commonly used for pregnant patients and children because it does not use ionising radiation.

The best test depends on the individual situation.

Can Small Kidney Stones Pass Naturally?

Yes, some can.

Small stones may pass through the urinary tract without a procedure.

Medical care may include:

• Fluids when appropriate
• Pain relief
• Anti sickness medicine
• Medication that may help selected stones pass

Passing a stone naturally does not mean that every stone should be managed at home.

Size, location, infection, kidney function, pain, and urine obstruction all matter.

Can Urinary Stones Be Dissolved Naturally?

Usually not.

This is an important correction to many online “natural cure” claims.

Calcium Stones

Most calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones cannot simply be dissolved with lemon water, apple cider vinegar, herbs, or supplements.

Small stones may pass, but passing is different from dissolving.

Uric Acid Stones

Uric acid stones are different.

They can sometimes be dissolved by making the urine less acidic with prescribed alkalinising treatment such as potassium citrate.

This requires proper diagnosis and monitoring.

Struvite Stones

Struvite stones are linked with infection and usually require medical treatment aimed at the infection and stone itself.

Home remedies are not adequate treatment.

Cystine Stones

Cystine stones may respond to high fluid intake and urine alkalinisation, but recurrent disease often needs specialist care and sometimes prescription medicine.

Does Lemon Water Cure Kidney Stones?

No.

Lemon juice contains citrate, which may help reduce crystal formation in some people.

It can therefore be useful as part of prevention.

It does not reliably dissolve an existing calcium stone.

Think of lemon water as one possible prevention tool rather than a cure.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Dissolve Kidney Stones?

There is not good clinical evidence that apple cider vinegar reliably dissolves kidney stones.

Large amounts may also irritate the digestive tract and affect teeth or interact with some medicines.

Do not delay proper treatment while trying to dissolve a painful or obstructing stone with vinegar.

Do Herbal Remedies Cure Urinary Stones?

No herbal product has been shown to safely dissolve every type of urinary stone.

Herbal products can also:

• Interact with medicines
• Affect kidney function
• Contain undeclared ingredients
• Delay needed treatment

Use caution with products advertised as “kidney cleanses” or “stone breakers.”

Should You Avoid Calcium If You Have Kidney Stones?

Usually not.

Normal dietary calcium can actually be useful for people who form calcium oxalate stones because calcium binds oxalate in the intestine.

Removing calcium without professional advice can be unnecessary and may harm bone health.

Calcium supplements require more individualized advice.

Should You Avoid Spinach?

It depends.

Spinach is high in oxalate.

If you form recurrent calcium oxalate stones and urine testing shows high oxalate, reducing spinach may be useful.

If you have never formed an oxalate stone, you do not need to assume spinach is harmful.

Can Vitamin C Supplements Cause Kidney Stones?

High dose vitamin C can increase urinary oxalate in some people.

This may matter for people who are prone to calcium oxalate stones.

Do not assume that more vitamin C is always harmless simply because it is a vitamin.

Review high dose supplements with a healthcare professional if you repeatedly form stones.

Can Vitamin D Cause Kidney Stones?

Vitamin D does not automatically cause kidney stones.

However, excessive supplementation can raise calcium levels in susceptible people.

If you have hypercalcaemia, hyperparathyroidism, or recurrent calcium stones, vitamin D and calcium supplements should be reviewed with your clinician.

Can Salt Cause Kidney Stones?

Excess sodium can raise urinary calcium, which can promote calcium stone formation in susceptible people.

This is one reason sodium reduction is a core part of many kidney stone prevention plans.

Can Too Much Protein Cause Kidney Stones?

Very high animal protein intake may increase risk in some stone formers.

It can increase uric acid and may lower urinary citrate.

The amount that is appropriate varies by stone type, body size, kidney health, and other medical needs.

Can Dehydration Cause Kidney Stones?

Yes.

Dehydration reduces urine volume, so stone forming substances become more concentrated.

This is why kidney stones can be more common in hot environments and in people who sweat heavily without replacing fluids.

Can Urinary Infections Cause Stones?

Yes.

Certain bacteria can change urine chemistry and promote struvite stones.

Repeated urinary infections deserve proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can Gout Cause Kidney Stones?

Gout is associated with high uric acid and can increase the risk of uric acid stones.

Managing uric acid and urine acidity may be part of prevention.

Can Bowel Disease Increase Kidney Stone Risk?

Yes.

Chronic bowel inflammation, malabsorption, and some gastrointestinal operations can increase oxalate absorption.

This can raise urinary oxalate and increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones.

People with Crohn's disease, short bowel problems, or previous bariatric surgery may need individualized prevention advice.

Medicines That Can Increase Stone Risk

Some medicines can change urine chemistry or form crystals themselves.

Examples can include certain:

• Antacids
• Diuretics
• Antibiotics
• Antiviral medicines
• Anti seizure medicines such as topiramate

Do not stop a prescribed medicine because you have had a kidney stone.

Ask your prescriber whether it could be contributing and whether an alternative is appropriate.

What Treatments Are Used for Larger Stones?

A stone may need a procedure when it is too large to pass, blocks urine, causes severe ongoing pain, or leads to other complications.

Options can include:

Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Shock waves break the stone into smaller pieces that can pass through the urinary tract.

Ureteroscopy

A thin instrument is passed through the urinary tract so the stone can be removed or broken into smaller pieces.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

For selected larger stones, a surgeon reaches the kidney through a small opening in the back and removes the stone.

The best procedure depends on stone size, location, anatomy, infection, and other health factors.

A Simple Kidney Stone Prevention Table

A Simple Daily Prevention Routine

Morning

Start the day with water and include normal food calcium if it fits your eating pattern.

During the Day

Drink regularly instead of trying to catch up at night.

Increase fluids when you sweat more.

Meals

Keep salt moderate, avoid extreme protein intake, and eat a varied diet with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and suitable proteins.

Evening

Check whether your urine has stayed very dark or concentrated during the day.

Persistent dark urine may mean you need more fluid, although urine colour can also change for other reasons.

What to Do if You Pass a Stone

If possible, collect the stone in a clean container or stone strainer if your healthcare team advises it.

Stone analysis can identify whether it is:

• Calcium oxalate
• Calcium phosphate
• Uric acid
• Struvite
• Cystine

That information can make future prevention much more precise.

When Recurrent Stones Need More Investigation

Ask about a metabolic evaluation if you:

• Keep forming stones
• Developed stones at a young age
• Have stones in both kidneys
• Have a family history
• Have cystine stones
• Have unusual stone types
• Have bowel disease or bariatric surgery
• Have hyperparathyroidism
• Have gout
• Have only one functioning kidney

A personalised plan is much more useful than following a generic “stone cleanse.”

Common Urinary Stone Myths

Myth 1: All Kidney Stones Are Caused by Too Much Calcium

False.

Stone formation is more complex, and normal food calcium can actually help some calcium oxalate stone formers.

Myth 2: Lemon Juice Dissolves Every Stone

False.

Citrate can help prevention, but lemon juice does not reliably dissolve existing calcium stones.

Myth 3: Apple Cider Vinegar Breaks Down Stones

There is not reliable clinical evidence that vinegar dissolves urinary stones.

Myth 4: If the Pain Stops, the Stone Is Gone

Not necessarily.

Pain can change as a stone moves, and some obstruction can occur without constant severe pain.

Myth 5: Drinking as Much Water as Possible Is Always Safe

False.

People with some heart or kidney conditions may need fluid restrictions.

Conclusion

Understanding the urinary stones cause is the first step toward preventing another painful episode.

Low urine volume is one of the biggest risks, but sodium, animal protein, oxalate, urine acidity, infections, genetics, medications, bowel disease, gout, parathyroid disorders, and inherited conditions can all matter.

There is no single natural cure for every urinary stone. Water and sensible diet changes can reduce risk and help some small stones pass, while particular stones need medication, infection treatment, or a urological procedure.

Your best next step is to learn what type of stone you have. If you have passed a stone, ask whether it should be analysed. If stones keep returning, ask whether blood tests and a 24 hour urine study would help build a prevention plan that fits your actual stone chemistry.

References and Sources

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms and Causes of Kidney Stones.
   https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment for Kidney Stones.
   https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/treatment
3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Eating, Diet and Nutrition for Kidney Stones.
   https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/eating-diet-nutrition
4. NHS. Kidney Stones. Reviewed September 17, 2026.
   https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-stones/
5. American Urological Association. Medical Management of Kidney Stones Guideline.
   https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/kidney-stones-medical-mangement-guideline

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main urinary stones cause?

The main urinary stones cause is concentrated urine that allows minerals or other substances to form crystals. Low fluid intake is an important risk, while diet, infections, inherited disorders, medicines, metabolic conditions, and high levels of calcium, oxalate, uric acid, or cystine can also contribute.

What are the main types of urinary stones?

The main types are calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones. Prevention and treatment can differ between them.

Can drinking more water prevent kidney stones?

For many people, drinking enough fluid is the most important prevention step because it dilutes urine. People with heart or kidney conditions that require fluid restriction should follow individualized medical advice.

Does lemon water dissolve kidney stones?

Lemon contains citrate and may help reduce formation of some stones, but it does not reliably dissolve existing calcium stones. Some uric acid stones can be dissolved with medically supervised urine alkalinisation.

Can apple cider vinegar dissolve kidney stones?

There is not good clinical evidence that apple cider vinegar reliably dissolves kidney stones. It should not delay proper medical assessment or treatment.

Should I avoid calcium if I have calcium kidney stones?

Usually not. Normal calcium from food can bind oxalate in the digestive tract and may reduce calcium oxalate stone risk. Supplement use should be discussed individually.

Can too much salt cause kidney stones?

High sodium intake can increase the amount of calcium excreted in urine, which can raise calcium stone risk in susceptible people.

Can urinary infections cause stones?

Yes. Certain urinary infections can lead to struvite stones, which may grow quickly and usually require medical treatment.

When should kidney stone symptoms be treated urgently?

Seek urgent care for severe pain, fever, chills, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, very little urine, severe dehydration, or worsening illness.

Can all kidney stones pass naturally?

No. Some small stones pass on their own, while larger stones or stones causing obstruction, infection, severe pain, or other complications may require a procedure.

What test can tell me why I keep getting kidney stones?

Stone analysis, blood tests, urine tests, and a 24 hour urine collection can help identify factors such as low urine volume, high calcium, oxalate, uric acid, low citrate, excess sodium, or other abnormalities.

Adel Galal

Health & wellness writer with 30+ years of experience in nutrition, fitness, and healthy aging. Founder of NextFitLife.com — evidence-based health guidance.