Kidney Stones: Are You at Risk?
People who form kidney stones often share certain risk factors. Middle-aged men, for instance, are more likely to form stones than other people. A family history of stones also increases your risk. Assess your risk factors with the questions below and checking yes or no.
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Yes
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No
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Do you drink fewer than 8 glasses of water a day?
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Do you live in the Southeast U.S. or another hot climate?
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Have you ever had a kidney stone before?
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Has anyone in your family had kidney stones?
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Are you a male between the ages of 30 and 50?
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Have you had a kidney infection in the last few months?
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Do you take large doses of vitamin C supplements?
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Does your diet include only low amounts of calcium or potassium?
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Do you often drink cola or eat chocolates, spinach, or peanuts (high-oxalate foods)?
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Do you eat foods high in salt and meat content? (Eating a high-animal-protein diet is a risk for uric acid and calcium stones. A high-salt diet is a risk for all types of kidney stones.)
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Do you have gout or hyperparathyroidism?
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Do you eat foods with a high sugar content?
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How great is your risk?
The more times you answered yes, the greater your risk of forming kidney stones. But you can help reduce your risk. Learn more about kidney stones, how they form, and how to prevent them.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lalitha Kadali
Online Medical Reviewer:
Melinda Murray Ratini DO
Date Last Reviewed:
4/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.