Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is highlighting kidney stones and the importance of early prevention.
Kidney stones are common and can be very painful, affecting millions of people every year. They can happen at any age, so understanding what causes them is important for prevention, early detection, and maintaining kidney health.

Kidney Stones: Top Causes You Should Know

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is highlighting kidney stones and the importance of early prevention.
Kidney stones are common and can be very painful, affecting millions of people every year. They can happen at any age, so understanding what causes them is important for prevention, early detection, and maintaining kidney health.
Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in urine harden and stick together. Some stones pass naturally, but others can cause severe pain, infections, or other complications if left untreated. Learning what raises your risk can help you avoid kidney stones.
“Kidney stones can be excruciating, but many cases are preventable with the right information and healthy habits,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“Education and early care play a vital role in protecting kidney health.”

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones often develop due to various factors, including how much water you drink, dietary habits, and certain health conditions.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water is a significant cause of kidney stones. When your urine is too concentrated, minerals such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid can form crystals.

A Diet High in Salt, Sugar, or Animal Protein

Eating too much salt raises calcium in your urine, and high sugar or lots of red or processed meat can also make stones more likely. Foods high in oxalates, like spinach, nuts, chocolate, and beets, can increase the risk if you eat them in large amounts.

Obesity and Metabolic Conditions

Being overweight can raise acid levels in your urine, which makes kidney stones more likely. Health issues such as insulin resistance and diabetes also increase the risk of uric acid stones.

Family History or Genetics

If kidney stones are common in your family, you might have a higher chance of getting them, especially if a close relative has had them more than once.

Digestive Disorders

Health problems, including inflammatory bowel disease, ongoing diarrhoea, or having had gastric bypass surgery, can change how your body absorbs fluids and minerals, which raises the risk of kidney stones.

Certain Medications and Supplements

Some medications and supplements, especially high doses of supplements, can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.

Low or Excessive Calcium Intake

Eating too little calcium or taking too much calcium as a supplement can both increase your risk of kidney stones. Your body needs the right amount of calcium to keep oxalate levels in check.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Symptoms can differ for everyone, but they often include severe pain in your lower back or side, pain that moves to your groin or lower belly, pain when you urinate, blood in your urine, nausea or vomiting, and needing to urinate urgently or often.

How to Reduce Your Risk

You can lower your risk of kidney stones by making a few simple changes to your daily routine. Drink plenty of water to help flush out minerals and try to eat less salt and processed food. Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, keeping a healthy weight, and following your doctor’s advice about supplements or medicines can also help. Some people may need to limit foods high in oxalates.

Conclusion

Kidney stones are becoming more common, but many cases can be prevented with awareness and lifestyle changes. Knowing the leading causes can help people make healthier choices, lower their risk, and seek medical help early if symptoms appear. Affinity Health offers everyday healthcare support and advice to help people manage risks and keep their kidneys healthy in the long run.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.