Kidney stones can be incredibly painful and disruptive—but what many people don’t realize is that the risk of developing them increases significantly with age, especially after 40. As kidney function naturally begins to decline and other metabolic and hormonal shifts take place, the internal environment becomes more prone to crystal formation. The good news? You have more control over this than you might think.
Let’s break down what’s happening and how to reduce your risk.
Why Kidney Stones Become More Likely With Age
1. Decreased Kidney Function
As we get older, the kidneys gradually lose some of their ability to efficiently filter out waste. This means substances like calcium, oxalates, and uric acid can accumulate—setting the stage for stones to form.
2. Hormonal Changes
Postmenopausal women often experience a drop in estrogen, which impacts calcium metabolism and can lead to increased calcium in the urine. For men, changes in testosterone and other hormones can also affect how stones form.
3. Dehydration
Aging tends to blunt thirst signals, which means older adults often don’t drink enough fluids. Dehydration leads to more concentrated urine—creating an ideal environment for stone formation.
4. Metabolic Shifts
With age comes a higher likelihood of insulin resistance, obesity, and related conditions. These alter the chemistry of your urine, which increases stone risk.
5. Medication Side Effects
Common medications such as diuretics or certain antacids can affect how your body manages minerals, sometimes promoting an imbalance that leads to stones.
A Functional Medicine Approach to Preventing Kidney Stones
Functional medicine is about finding the root causes and treating the whole person—not just the symptom. When it comes to kidney stones, here’s how we address prevention:
1. Prioritize Hydration
Aim for 2–3 liters of water daily. Diluted urine helps prevent the crystallization of substances like calcium and oxalate. If you’ve had stones before, your fluid needs may be even higher—talk to your doctor.
2. Adjust Your Diet
A nutrient-dense, whole-foods diet plays a big role in prevention:
- Limit sugar and processed foods – These promote insulin resistance, inflammation, and stone risk.
- Moderate animal protein – Too much, especially from non-grass-fed sources, increases uric acid and acidifies the urine.
- Add citrate – Found in lemons and citrus fruits, citrate binds with calcium and can help prevent calcium-based stones. A glass of lemon water a day is a simple strategy.
- Balance calcium intake – Get calcium from food (like leafy greens and sardines) rather than supplements unless prescribed.
- Reduce sodium – High sodium leads to more calcium in the urine. Minimize processed foods and use sea salt in moderation.
Tailored Tips Based on Stone Type
Each stone type has its own root cause, so targeted strategies are key:
- Calcium oxalate stones – Reduce high-oxalate foods (spinach, beets), increase magnesium, and ensure proper gut health to lower oxalate absorption.
- Calcium phosphate stones – Focus on reducing sodium and moderating animal protein.
- Uric acid stones – Reduce purine-rich foods (like red meat and organ meats) and aim to alkalize urine through diet and lemon water.
3. Consider Targeted Supplementation
- Magnesium – Supports oxalate metabolism and reduces the likelihood of crystal formation.
- Probiotics – A healthy gut reduces oxalate absorption. Certain strains also reduce inflammation and improve mineral balance.
4. Address Metabolic Health
Insulin resistance is a major contributor to uric acid stones and poor kidney function. A functional medicine approach prioritizes:
- Blood sugar balance
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition
- Regular physical activity
- Stress management
- Gut and liver support
Final Thoughts
Kidney stones may become more common with age, but they’re not inevitable. Through proper hydration, dietary shifts, and a deeper look at your personal biochemistry, you can dramatically reduce your risk.
Functional medicine gives us the tools to not only treat kidney stones when they occur—but to prevent them altogether by identifying and addressing the root cause.
If you’re dealing with a history of kidney stones—or want to be proactive as you age—there’s a personalized path forward.
Your kidneys are working hard for you. Let’s give them the support they deserve. Schedule a consultation by clicking the “Free Discovery Call” button in the top menu bar—or reach out through the chat in the lower right corner of your screen. Let’s create a plan tailored to you!
