Varun Mehta Varun Mehta Asked 4 months ago

Can protein drinks cause kidney stones?

My friend just got kidney stones, and he's a big user of protein supplements. I'm wondering if protein drinks can cause kidney stones. I've been having them regularly for my muscle gain.

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6 answers

Sanjay Deshmukh Sanjay Deshmukh Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago
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Uff, managing health after 45 is a full-time job in itself. Yes, high protein can increase calcium excretion, making you a bit more prone to stones if you aren't careful. My rule is simple: drink so much water that you are practically living in the washroom!

Meera Nair Meera Nair Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

I completely understand your worry because passing a kidney stone was the most painful experience of my life, and I kept blaming my whey protein shake. It turns out I was severely dehydrated and having too much sodium. Your fear is very valid, but dehydration is usually the real culprit.

Snehal Kulkarni Snehal Kulkarni Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

Actually, excessive protein can sometimes lead to stone formation, ho na. Especially if you don't drink enough water throughout the day. It is better to balance it with enough liquids and fresh lemon juice to keep stones away.

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Rajesh Kapoor Rajesh Kapoor Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

I have seen this question come up so many times in our group. Protein shakes alone don't cause stones, but a very high-protein, low-fiber diet without enough fluids definitely creates the perfect environment for them. Eat green veggies, drink 3 liters of water, and you should be perfectly fine.

Aruna Vyas Aruna Vyas Joined May 2026 4 months ago

I always prefer natural foods over powders, like sattu or buttermilk, which are much gentler on the body. If you still want to take protein drinks, make sure to drink barley water or coconut water to flush things out. But if you get sharp lower back or side pain, don't wait at home, see a doctor immediately.

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Ananya Sen Ananya Sen Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

The scientific consensus is that high protein intake can elevate uric acid and calcium levels in urine, which might increase stone risk in people already prone to them. If you have a family history of kidney stones, it is highly recommended to consult a urologist or general physician before adding protein supplements.

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