A kidney stone , also known as a renal calculus or nephrolith , is a solid piece of material which is formed in the kidneys from minerals in urine . Kidney stones typically leave the body in the urine stream, and a small stone may pass without causing symptoms.

If stones grow to sufficient size (usually at least 3 millimeters (0.1 in)) they can cause blockage of the ureter . This leads to pain, most commonly beginning in the flank or lower back and often radiating to the groin . This pain is often known as renal colic and typically comes in waves lasting 20 to 60 minutes.

Other associated symptoms include: nausea , vomiting , fever , blood in the urine , pus in the urine , and painful urination . Blockage of the ureter can cause decreased kidney function and dilation of the kidney .

Diet can have a profound influence on the development of kidney stones. Preventive strategies include some combination of dietary modifications and medications with the goal of reducing the excretory load of calculogenic compounds on the kidneys.


Current dietary recommendations to minimize the formation of kidney stones include:

Increasing total fluid intake to more than two liters per day of urine output.

Increasing citric acid intake; lemon/lime juice is the richest natural source.

Moderate calcium intake

Limiting sodium intake (salt)

Avoidance of large doses of supplemental vitamin C

Limiting animal protein intake to no more than two meals daily (an association between animal protein consumption and recurrence of kidney stones has been shown in men.

Limiting consumption of cola soft drinks, which contain phosphoric acid, to less than one liter of soft drink per week.

Maintenance of dilute urine by means of vigorous fluid therapy is beneficial in all forms of nephrolithiasis, so increasing urine volume is a key principle for the prevention of kidney stones. Fluid intake should be sufficient to maintain a urine output of at least 2 litres (68 US fl oz ) per day. A high fluid intake has been associated with a 40% reduction in recurrence risk.

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