Kidney Failure Controversy: The 9 Symptoms That Raise Concern - Separating Fact from Fear 1. Kidney Stones Almost everyone has heard of kidney stones, but did you know that there are actually different types? Kidney stones can be made up of different combinations of minerals and can vary in size. The most common type of kidney stone contains calcium in combination with either oxalate or phosphate. These stones can form when there is too much of these minerals in your urine. If your urine doesn’t have enough fluid, the minerals can form crystals. The crystals can then grow into stones. There are a number of things that can increase your risk of developing kidney stones, including: - Not drinking enough fluids - Eating a diet that is high in animal protein, salt, or sugar - Having a family history of kidney stones - Having certain medical conditions, such as gout, Crohn’s disease, or urinary tract infections There are a number of things you can do to help prevent kidney stones, inclu