Kidney Stone Season: Why Hot Weather Brings More Stones
cero®
The Kidney-Safe Multivitamin
What is “Kidney Stone Season”?
Every summer, emergency departments and urology clinics report the same trend: a spike in kidney stone cases. Doctors have nicknamed it “kidney stone season” — and it’s not just a coincidence. Warmer months bring higher temperatures, more outdoor activity, and often more dehydration — all of which increase the risk of kidney stone formation. According to Premier Medical Group, stone-related visits rise dramatically between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Why the Heat Triggers Stones
1. Dehydration Concentrates the Urine
When we sweat more, we lose water — but not necessarily the salts and minerals our kidneys filter. If fluid isn’t replaced, the urine becomes more concentrated, creating the perfect environment for minerals like calcium and oxalate to crystallize into stones. A 2014 time-series analysis across five major U.S. cities showed that kidney stone presentations rise within just a few days of high heat exposure (Environmental Health Perspectives, 2014).
2. Diet and Lifestyle Shifts
Summer means BBQs, sugary drinks, and electrolyte sports beverages — all of which can increase sodium and sugar intake. Excess salt raises calcium in urine, while fructose-rich beverages alter uric acid levels — both linked to stone formation. Combine that with mild dehydration, and you have the recipe for a spike in stone cases.
3. Environmental & Urban Heat Effects
The impact of heat on kidney stone presentations in South Carolina — Scientific Reports (2022)
Cities are hotter due to urban heat islands, and studies show kidney stone risk increases with both temperature and humidity. A South Carolina modeling study projected that by 2089, heat-attributed kidney stone cases could rise by up to 3.9%, even under moderate climate scenarios (Scientific Reports, 2022).
4. Climate Change and the Expanding “Stone Belt”
Projected northward expansion of the U.S. "Stone Belt" under climate warming — PNAS (2008)
The traditional “Stone Belt” — stretching across the Southeastern U.S. — may soon expand northward. Climate models suggest 1.6 to 2.3 million new lifetime stone cases in the U.S. by 2050 linked to rising heat (PNAS, 2008). As global temperatures increase, stone season will last longer, and regions once considered low-risk could see a surge in cases.
The Science in Brief
How to Stay Stone-Free This Summer
1. Hydrate Intelligently
Aim for 2.5–3 liters of fluid per day (unless restricted by your doctor).
Favor water and citrus-based drinks — lemonade and orange juice increase urinary citrate, a natural stone inhibitor.
Monitor urine color: pale yellow = hydrated, dark = drink more water.
2. Balance Your Diet
Limit salt and processed foods.
Keep calcium intake moderate — from food, not high-dose supplements.
Reduce sugar and cola beverages.
Combine oxalate foods (spinach, nuts) with calcium-rich ones to reduce absorption.
3. Support Your Nutritional Balance
Many people try to “fill the gaps” with multivitamins — but not all are kidney-friendly. Excess vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can convert to oxalate in the body, potentially raising stone risk for those predisposed.
That’s why Prevastone developed the C-ERO Multivitamin — a physician-formulated, zero–vitamin C daily multivitamin made especially for people prone to kidney stones. It delivers all essential nutrients while avoiding ingredients that could add risk.
4. Adjust for Activity & Environment
Replenish fluids during outdoor work or workouts.
Schedule outdoor activity during cooler hours.
Use shade and cooling breaks to minimize heat stress.
5. Talk to Your Doctor
If you’ve had stones before, ask about:
24-hour urine testing
Potassium citrate or thiazide diuretics
Personalized dietary counseling
Quick Takeaways
Heat and dehydration directly increase kidney stone risk
Climate change may lengthen and expand “stone season”
Simple habits — hydration, diet, and heat management — can prevent recurrence
C-ERO offers a smart multivitamin choice without added vitamin C for stone formers
Sources & Further Reading
Environmental Health Perspectives (2014) – Daily Mean Temperature and Clinical Kidney Stone Presentation in Five U.S. Metropolitan Areas
Scientific Reports (2022) – The Impact of Heat on Kidney Stone Presentations in South Carolina
PNAS (2008) – Climate-related Increase in Urolithiasis in the United States
Current Opinion in Urology (2024) – Climate Change and Its Implications for Kidney Health
Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials (2023) – If You’re in Pain with Kidney Stones, It Must Be Summer
Key Points:
Kidney stone cases surge in warmer months — dehydration and concentrated urine during summer increase the risk of stone formation.
Smart prevention can make a difference — staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and using C-ERO Multi, a smart multivitamin without Vitamin-C designed for stone formers, can help reduce recurrence risk.
