Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Urologist · Urology
Verified
Kidney stones form when substances in the urine (such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid) precipitate out and form crystals. These crystals can cluster together to form a stone.
There are several things that can increase your risk for kidney stones, including dehydration, eating too much salt or protein, not getting enough calcium or magnesium in your diet, taking certain medications (such as diuretics), and having a urinary tract infection. Some people are also more prone to kidney stones because they have a genetic tendency to produce high levels of certain crystal-forming substances in their urine.
