Probability of Developing Kidney Stones (Lifetime)

Kidney stones affect approximately 11% of Americans at some point in their lifetime, according to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases data. The condition is more common in men (about 13%) than women (about 7%), though the gender gap has been narrowing. The prevalence has been increasing over recent decades.

The most common type is calcium oxalate stones. Risk factors include inadequate fluid intake (the most important modifiable factor), high sodium diet, obesity, family history, certain medical conditions (gout, inflammatory bowel disease), and living in hot climates. People who have had one kidney stone have about a 50% chance of developing another within 5-7 years.

The most effective prevention is drinking enough water to produce at least 2.5 liters of urine per day (usually requiring about 3 liters of fluid intake). Other recommendations include limiting sodium to under 2,300 mg per day, eating moderate amounts of animal protein, getting adequate calcium from food (not supplements), and limiting oxalate-rich foods if prone to calcium oxalate stones. Lemon juice in water may help by increasing urinary citrate.