# Kidney Stones Rise in Healthy Patients

> Trendy high-protein diets may be causing kidney stones in seemingly healthy people, experts warn.
- Title: Kidney Stones Rise in Healthy Patients · Dailymail | Shortify
- Summary: Trendy high-protein diets may be causing kidney stones in seemingly healthy people, experts warn. High-protein diets increase kidney stone risk by 22%…
- Keywords: kidney stones, high-protein diet, calcium oxalate, urine acidity, lithotripsy, ureter, kidney care uk, oxalate, urine, calcium, news, entertainment
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/health/article-16238955/Inside-astonishing-rise-kidney-stones-seemingly-fit-healthy-patients.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-26T11:49:32+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: kidney stones, high-protein diet, calcium oxalate, urine acidity, lithotripsy, ureter, kidney care uk, oxalate, urine, calcium, news, entertainment
## Sarah Wolfensohn's kidney stones
71-year-old veterinary science academic has suffered 14 kidney stone attacks over 34 years.

> The pain is worse than childbirth, so every time I get a twinge in my side or my back, I fear the worst
## Kidney stone prevalence
1 in 11 people experience kidney stones at some point, with rising hospital admissions in England and Scotland.
## Rising kidney stone trend
Researchers predict 33% more kidney stones by 2034-35, costing NHS £1.82 billion.
## Gender differences
Men are twice as likely as women to develop kidney stones due to higher testosterone levels.
## High-protein diet risks
High-protein diets increase urine acidity, raising uric acid and calcium levels while lowering stone inhibitors.
## Research findings
Higher animal protein intake linked to 22% increased kidney stone risk, with 100g red meat daily raising risk by 39%.
## Protein supplement effects
Whey protein supplements increase calcium levels and make urine more acidic.
## Stone formation process
Kidney stones form when calcium oxalate crystals combine with urine, often due to dehydration.
## Stone size and treatment
Stones smaller than 5mm pass naturally, but larger stones require surgery or shockwave treatment.
## Severe complications
Kidney stones can cause sepsis, with 130 deaths annually in the UK due to complications.
## Long-term effects
Repeated kidney stone attacks increase risk of chronic kidney disease.
## Prevention advice
Limit salt to 6g daily, increase fiber intake, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent stones.
## Bacterial involvement
Recent research shows kidney stones may be embedded with bacterial biofilms that protect bacteria.
## Expert recommendations
Experts advise avoiding high-oxalate foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate to reduce stone risk.
## Treatment options
Lithotripsy uses shockwaves to break stones, while ureteroscopy removes stones via a small telescope.
## What's next
Experts warn high-protein diets could be causing rising kidney stone cases in healthy individuals.
## Key takeaway

High-protein diets increase kidney stone risk by 22% according to research, with experts linking the trend to rising cases among fit individuals.