What Causes Kidney Stones to Form?

Kidney stones are a painful and often recurring problem, especially for men. If you’ve experienced the sharp, stabbing pain of a stone – or suspect one might be forming – you might be wondering what causes them to develop in the first place.

In Chattanooga, TN, Dr. Anand Shridharani (Dr. Shrid) offers expert urologic care with a focus on education and prevention. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist, he helps men understand where kidney stones come from and how to stop them from returning.

How Do Kidney Stones Form?

Kidney stones occur when minerals like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid concentrate in your urine and form crystals. Over time, these crystals grow into hard, stone-like deposits.

Here are some of the most common contributors.

Low Fluid Intake

Inadequate hydration concentrates your urine, meaning minerals are more likely to crystallize. Dark, infrequent urination is a clue to drink more water.

Dietary Factors

Certain foods increase the risk of kidney stones.

• Oxalate-rich foods like spinach, rhubarb, and nuts can be problematic for some individuals.
• Excessive salt (sodium) intake also increases calcium levels in the urine.
• A diet high in animal protein can boost uric acid and lower citrate (citrate is a compound that helps prevent stones).

Genetics & Health Conditions

Some men inherit a predisposition to stone formation. Obesity, gout, and inflammatory bowel disease may make you more prone to them.

A rare hereditary issue called cystinuria can also cause elevated levels of cystine (an amino acid), resulting in cystine stones.

Lifestyle & Medical Factors

Certain behaviors and practices can also increase your chances of developing kidney stones. These include:

• Sedentary habits or prolonged bed rest.
• Certain medications and supplements (e.g., high-dose vitamin C, calcium, or sulfa drugs).
• Digestive surgeries or disorders that affect absorption and urinary chemistry.

Prevention Tips

Want to avoid future kidney stones? Take these steps:

• Hydrate often: Drink enough water to produce clear, light-colored urine.
• Balance your diet: Reduce salt intake and pair oxalate-rich foods with calcium-rich ones.
• Stay active: A sedentary lifestyle can increase risk.
• Talk to a urologist: Identifying the type of stone allows for more personalized treatment.

Seek Expert Advice in Chattanooga

Dr. Shridharani tailors care plans based on each patient’s unique health profile. He uses advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive solutions to manage kidney stones.

Contact Dr. Shrid in Chattanooga by calling (423) 778-4MEN to schedule a kidney stone consultation. Don’t wait for the next stone to strike. Get expert answers now.