According to Healthlinekidney stones can affect people of all ages, including children and teens, with a higher prevalence in individuals assigned male at birth. The risk typically peaks around age 30, with men being twice as likely to develop kidney stones compared to women.

Factors such as dehydration, high sodium intake, excess calcium, and certain medical conditions like obesity or metabolic disorders can increase the likelihood of kidney stones. While most kidney stones can pass on their own, larger stones may require medical intervention. Experts recommend drinking plenty of water, managing sodium and calcium intake, and maintaining a balanced diet to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.

Emerging research suggests that drinking coffee could help prevent kidney stones. A study by the U.S. National Kidney Foundation found that individuals who consumed caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea were less likely to develop kidney stones compared to those who avoided caffeine altogether.

Another study from the same source showed that caffeine—whether from coffee, tea, soda, or alcohol—might actually reduce the risk of kidney stones. The study revealed that increasing your daily caffeine intake from one cup to one and a half cups could lower the chances of developing kidney stones by up to 40%.

Additionally, a 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the International Urology and Nephrology journal supports these findings, indicating that higher caffeine intake may be associated with a reduced risk of kidney stone formation.

Although coffee is often thought to dehydrate the body, an article on Harvard Medical School’s official website points out that the extra fluid in coffee may offset any potential negative effects.

The same source recommends that if you choose to drink caffeinated beverages, you should limit your caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams per day to benefit kidney health. This is equivalent to four or five cups of regular coffee.