Nephrolithiasis: everything you need to know about kidney stones at a glance
Dr. med. Robert Schorn
April 10, 2026
10 min
Kidney stones are a common health problem, affecting up to 10 per cent of the population over the course of a lifetime. If kidney stones migrate into the ureter, they can cause severe colicky pain. If they do not pass spontaneously via the bladder, treatment by a urologist may be necessary.
The formation of kidney stones is favoured by various factors. In addition to dietary habits and insufficient fluid intake, metabolic disorders can also be the cause in some patients. If kidney stones occur repeatedly or at a young age, further clarification by a nephrologist in a specialised consultation is usually advisable. In this way, possible metabolic disorders can be recognised and treated in a targeted manner in order to reduce the risk of stones forming again.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard, crystalline deposits that form in the kidneys. They form when certain substances, such as calcium, oxalate or uric acid, are present in the urine in excessive concentrations and react with each other to form solid crystals. These crystals can develop into stones, which can vary in size from very small (barely visible) to very large, which can be painful.
What is the connection between kidney stones and renal colic?
Renal colic is a sudden, severe pain that is usually triggered by the movement of a kidney stone in the urinary system. The pain occurs when a stone becomes lodged or blocked either in the kidney itself or in the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder). This blockage prevents the urine from draining normally, causing severe cramping and pain.
Why do kidney stones form?
The development of kidney stones is multifactorial. Common causes are
- insufficient fluid intake
- unfavourable eating habits
- genetic predisposition
- metabolic disorders
- certain medications or illnesses
- overweight and lack of exercise
Prevention of kidney stones
The prevention of kidney stones focuses primarily on avoiding factors that favour the formation of stones. The aim is to reduce the risk of crystals forming in the urine, which can then develop into stones. Here are some important measures to prevent kidney stones:
1. drink enough water
Fluid intake is the most important factor in preventing kidney stones. The urine should remain as diluted as possible to prevent crystals from forming. The aim is to drink at least 2-3 litres of water per day, depending on body size, activity level and climatic conditions. In hot weather or during intense physical activity, you should drink more. Urine should be light yellow to colourless. If it is dark yellow or amber in colour, this can be a sign of dehydration and thus increase the risk of kidney stones.
2. balanced diet
Low salt: High salt consumption increases calcium excretion in the urine, which can favour the formation of calcium stones. It makes sense to reduce foods with a high salt content, such as ready meals, fast food and highly salted snacks.
Low sugar and fructose: High-sugar foods and drinks (e.g. lemonade, sweets) and fructose can increase the risk of kidney stones.
Moderate protein consumption: Excessive protein intake, especially from animal sources (meat, fish), can increase the risk of stones. A balanced ratio of plant and animal protein is advisable.
Oxalate-rich foods in bulk: The consumption of oxalate-rich foods such as spinach, rhubarb, nuts, chocolate and tea should be done with moderation. Oxalate can combine with calcium and lead to the formation of stones in the kidneys. However, if you take foods/drinks containing calcium in addition to iron, the oxalate is bound in the gastrointestinal tract and not absorbed, thus reducing oxalate excretion in the urine.
3. regular exercise
An active lifestyle not only helps to control body weight, but also promotes healthy kidney function and urine production. Regular exercise also prevents overweight and obesity, which can increase the risk of kidney stones.
4. weight control
Overweight and obesity are risk factors for kidney stones as they can negatively affect metabolism and urine production. A balanced diet and regular exercise are important to maintain a healthy body weight.
5. avoid too much vitamin C and calcium supplements
High doses of vitamin C can favour the formation of oxalate stones. High amounts of vitamin C (more than 1000 mg per day) should be avoided. Calcium supplements should be used in moderation and should not exceed the recommended daily dose, as excessive calcium intake can increase the risk of kidney stones. Completely avoiding calcium is not recommended, however, as it harbours the risk of osteoporosis. The same applies to vitamin D intake.
6 Medication-based prevention
Various options are available here, which must be evaluated individually. In any case, this should only be done under medical supervision.
Conclusion
Kidney stones are common, but in many cases they are easily preventable. Targeted clarification in a specialised stone consultation makes it possible to identify individual risk factors and develop effective long-term preventive measures.
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