Can Stress Cause Kidney Stones? Uncovering the Link Between Stress and Stone Formation

In today’s high-pressure world, stress affects nearly every part of our lives from how we sleep to how we digest food. But could stress also play a hidden role in something as painful and physical as kidney stones?

The short answer: yes, stress may increase your risk of developing kidney stones not as a direct cause, but through a web of physiological and behavioural effects. Let’s explore how mental strain might quietly contribute to stone formation and what you can do about it.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form in your kidneys when certain substances in urine become too concentrated. These substances include calcium, oxalate, and uric acid.

There are four main types:

• Calcium stones (most common)
  

• Struvite stones (often due to infections)
  

• Uric acid stones
  

• Cystine stones (rare, genetic)
  

Symptoms include:

• Sharp pain in your lower back or side
  

• Pain during urination
  

• Blood in urine
  

• Nausea or vomiting
  

The Hidden Link: How Stress Contributes to Kidney Stones

Stress doesn’t directly deposit calcium or oxalate into your kidneys, but it can set off a chain reaction that creates the perfect storm for stone formation.

1. Dehydration from Chronic Stress

When you’re under stress, you may forget to drink enough water. Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, also causes fluid retention, which concentrates your urine a key risk factor for stones.

The less water you drink, the more concentrated your urine becomes, making it easier for crystals to form.

2. Dietary Changes During Stress

Stress eating isn’t just a meme. Many people crave salty snacks, processed food, chocolate, or caffeinated drinks when anxious. These dietary habits:

• Increase sodium (which leads to calcium in the urine)
  

• Boost oxalate intake
  

• Reduce intake of hydrating fruits and vegetables
  

3. Hormonal Imbalance and Cortisol

High stress = high cortisol. This hormone affects everything from metabolism to kidney function.

• May interfere with calcium absorption
  

• Could alter urinary pH levels
  

• Affects the hormones that regulate thirst and sodium retention
  

4. Sleep Disruption and Stone Risk

Poor sleep has been linked to increased risk of kidney stones. Chronic stress often causes insomnia or shallow sleep, which affects your body’s ability to repair and regulate mineral balance. Stress may increase your risk of developing kidney stones not as a direct cause, but through a web of physiological and behavioural effects.

Scientific Evidence: What Do Studies Say?

While direct causation is still under research, studies show that people with high-stress lifestyles or mood disorders (like anxiety and depression) may have a higher likelihood of developing kidney stones.

A 2019 study in the Journal of Urology found that psychological stress was a significant predictor of stone recurrence in patients who had already suffered from kidney stones. Even stress and anxiety cause vertigo.

Other Risk Factors That Overlap With Stress

Stress might not work alone. It amplifies other risks:

• Low physical activity (sedentary lifestyle)
  

• Poor diet (high protein, low fiber)
  

• Obesity
  

• High blood pressure
  

• Frequent use of antibiotics or certain medications
  

How to Reduce Stress-Related Stone Risk

You can’t eliminate all stress, but you can reduce its impact on your body.

1. Stay Hydrated Intentionally

Set reminders or carry a water bottle. Aim for at least 2.5 litres a day unless your doctor suggests otherwise.

2. Mindful Nutrition

Reduce intake of high-oxalate foods (spinach, beets, chocolate) and processed salty snacks. Focus on:

• Leafy greens
  

• Citrus fruits (citrate helps prevent stones)
  

• Whole grains
  

3. Manage Stress Proactively

• Mindfulness and breathwork
  

• Journaling or therapy
  

• Digital detoxes
  

• Nature walks
  

4. Regulate Sleep

Stick to a regular bedtime, cut off screens early, and consider natural sleep aids (like magnesium or herbal teas).

5. Regular Health Monitoring

If you’ve had stones before, ask your doctor for a metabolic evaluation. Keep track of your: And also keep your stress tests.

• Urine pH
  

• Calcium and oxalate levels
  

• Blood pressure
  

What Else Causes Kidney Stones?

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water is one of the biggest contributors. When you're dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated, making it easier for minerals to stick together and form stones. Aim for pale yellow urine and at least 8–10 cups of fluid per day.
  

• High Oxalate Intake: Oxalate is a natural substance found in many foods like spinach, beans, rhubarb, coffee, tea, beer, cranberries, and bran cereals. Excess oxalate can bind to calcium and form stones, especially in those prone to them.
  

• High Sodium Diet: Consuming too much salt increases the amount of calcium in your urine, which can lead to stone formation. Reducing sodium intake may help lower your risk.
  

• Animal Protein: Diets high in red meat and shellfish can raise uric acid levels in the body, which may contribute to the formation of uric acid stones.
  

• Obesity and Weight Gain: Excess weight is linked to an increased risk of kidney stones, as it can alter the body’s acid-base balance and lead to stone-promoting conditions.
  

• Digestive Conditions: Chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis can reduce urine output or increase oxalate absorption, both of which raise stone risk.
  

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): These can lead to the formation of struvite stones, which are different from the more common calcium stones.
  

• Family History and Genetics: If kidney stones run in your family, your risk may be higher. Having had stones in the past also increases your chances of developing more.
  

• Medications: Certain drugs, such as calcium-based antacids or some migraine medications, may increase the risk of stones. Always check the side effects of your medications and consult your doctor before making changes.
  

• Supplements: High doses of vitamin C or calcium supplements—particularly in men—have been associated with a greater risk of stones. Dietary calcium from food sources, however, is generally safe.
  

• Hormonal and Metabolic Issues: Problems with the parathyroid glands, Type 2 diabetes (which makes urine more acidic), and gout (which increases uric acid) can all contribute to stone formation.
  

• Genetic Disorders: Rare conditions like cystinuria (which causes excess cystine in urine) or xanthinuria (leading to xanthine stones) can cause early or recurrent kidney stones.
  

Kidney Stones in Men

Men are nearly twice as likely to develop kidney stones as women. While most risk factors—like dehydration, diet, and genetics—apply to both sexes, there is one notable difference:
A large-scale Harvard study found that calcium supplements increased the risk of stones in men, while calcium from dietary sources (milk, yoghurt, broccoli, etc.) did not.

Kidney Stones in Women

Although kidney stones were once thought to mainly affect older men, rates among women have been steadily rising. Today, women account for about 38% of all cases.
The most common contributing factors include:

• Diets high in sodium or oxalate
  

• Chronic dehydration
  

• Obesity and metabolic conditions
  

• Diabetes
  

Interestingly, calcium supplements do not seem to pose the same level of risk for women as they do for men when it comes to kidney stone formation

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Stress as a Physical Trigger

Stress might not show up in an x-ray, but its effects ripple throughout your body—even to your kidneys. If you’re prone to stones or just want to protect your urinary health, managing stress isn’t optional. It’s a vital, often-overlooked part of prevention.

So the next time you reach for water, a deep breath, or a calming practice, remember: your kidneys thank you.

FAQ

Can emotional stress cause kidney pain?

Emotional stress alone doesn't cause kidney pain, but muscle tension and hormonal shifts might amplify existing discomfort or trigger psychosomatic symptoms.

Is anxiety a risk factor for kidney stones?

Not directly, but chronic anxiety often leads to dehydration, poor diet, and sleep issues—all of which are risk factors.

How can I prevent kidney stones naturally?

Hydration, low-sodium diet, adequate calcium, and reducing high-oxalate foods are key. Managing stress is also crucial.

Do people with kidney stones have higher stress levels?

Some studies suggest that patients with recurring stones report higher psychological distress. The relationship is often bidirectional.