Kidney Health Warning: 3 hidden habits that can lead to kidney failure

Kidney stone formation is generally considered more likely in the summer because excessive sweating and dehydration can lead to stone formation, but the risk can also increase in the winter. Winter brings many lifestyle and physiological changes that contribute to kidney stone formation. Here, we provide information on these factors.

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal

Updated : 25 November 2025, 7:31 PM IST

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New Delhi: Kidney stones are a very common but serious health problem. Medically known as renal calculi, they can cause significant discomfort if not treated promptly. Kidney stones form when minerals and salts combine to form crystals. This can cause severe pain, blood in the urine, infections, and vomiting.

Kidney stone formation is generally considered more likely in the summer because excessive sweating and dehydration can lead to stone formation, but the risk can also increase in the winter. Winter brings many lifestyle and physiological changes that contribute to kidney stone formation. Here, we provide information on these factors.

Dehydration is the most common cause

Dehydration often increases in winter because people feel less thirsty in the cold and drink less water. This leaves the body's hydration needs unmet. This also thickens urine and increases the risk of kidney stone formation.

Kidney stone risk is generally considered higher in the summer because excessive sweating and dehydration can lead to stone formation, but this risk can also increase in winter. Winter brings with it several lifestyle and physiological changes that contribute to kidney stone formation. Here, we're providing information about these factors.

Dehydration is the most common cause

Dehydration often increases in winter because people feel less thirsty in the cold and drink less water. This leaves the body's hydration needs unmet. This also thickens urine and increases the risk of kidney stone formation.

Since drinking less water causes concentrated urine, minerals and salts in concentrated urine easily clump together, forming crystals that eventually form stones.

Decreased Physical Activity

In addition, during the winter season, people often engage in less physical activity due to laziness, reducing exercise and walking, and sitting in one place for long periods of time. This impacts calcium levels in the body, leading to calcium accumulation in the kidneys.

Eating Too Many Fatty Foods

During the winter season, people often overeat, which is detrimental to both your body and kidneys. To keep your kidneys healthy, you should eat a healthy and balanced diet daily. Avoid foods high in fat, oil, sugar, and carbohydrates.

Ways to Avoid Kidney Stones
You've likely heard that prevention is better than cure. Here are some tips to reduce your risk of kidney stones.

• 1. Whether it's winter or summer, avoid dehydration. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day dilutes urine and reduces the risk of stone formation. Therefore, aim to drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily.
• 2- If someone already has kidney problems, they should avoid eating certain foods like nuts, peanuts, spinach, red meat, chicken, cheese, and many dairy products. These are high in oxalate and protein, which contribute to stone formation.
• 3- Exercise not only keeps the body fit but also helps the kidneys maintain a healthy urinary flow, reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.
• 4- Calcium is essential for bones and other organs, but excessive intake of calcium through supplements can increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Therefore, avoid consuming these without consulting a doctor.
• 5- Obesity is a major risk factor for kidney stones, so always maintain your body weight.