Why Are Kidney Stones More Common in Summer?

Kidney stones may be small, but the intense pain they cause sends over half a million people to the emergency room each year.

Learn why kidney stone cases rise during the summer and the simple steps you can take to lower your risk.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like objects that form inside one or both kidneys. They can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to, in some rare cases, as large as a golf ball.

What causes kidney stones?

Your urine naturally contains dissolved minerals and salts. When the amount of these substances in the urine is imbalanced, they can begin to crystallize, stick together, and gradually form stones.

Kidney stones can develop over weeks, months, or even years before causing any symptoms.

How summer weather can increase your risk

Warmer temperatures can increase your risk of developing kidney stones in two main ways:

1. Increased fluid loss and dehydration 

One of the biggest risk factors for kidney stones is dehydration.

Hot weather can make you sweat more, causing you to lose fluids. If those fluids aren’t properly replaced, you can become dehydrated.

When you’re dehydrated, your urine contains less water and becomes more concentrated with minerals and salts. This makes it easier for crystals to form and develop into kidney stones.

Early signs of dehydration to watch for:

• Feeling thirsty
• Dry mouth, lips, or skin
• Dark yellow urine
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps

2. Changes in eating habits

What you eat and drink also plays a significant role in kidney stone formation. Summer activities like vacations, barbecues, and sporting events often lead to a higher consumption of:

Salt and added sugar

Consuming too much salt or added sugar can increase calcium levels in your urine, allowing it to combine with other substances and gradually form kidney stones.

Animal protein

Eating large amounts of animal protein, such as red meat, pork, and poultry, can increase uric acid levels in your urine, creating conditions where kidney stones are more likely to form.

What are the signs of kidney stones?

When a kidney stone starts to pass, it can cause symptoms such as:

• Sudden pain on either side of your mid- to lower back
• Frequent urination
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Blood in your urine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever and chills

If you are experiencing any symptoms of kidney stones, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Tips to prevent kidney stones

Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to help prevent kidney stones, but your daily habits can also make a difference.

Consider these additional prevention tips:

• Limit your sodium intake to under 2,300 mg per day (about one teaspoon of salt).
• Avoid sugary drinks such as soda, sweetened teas, and fruit juices that contain added sugars.
• Incorporate non-animal protein sources into your diet such as tofu and beans.
• Add a squeeze of lemon to your water. Lemon and other citrus fruits naturally contain citric acid, which may prevent kidney stone formation.

Get care this summer

Your primary care provider can help you find the right next steps. Find an Adventist Health provider near you.