Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in your kidneys. They cause pain when they pass through your urinary tract. Up to 12 percent of Americans are affected by kidney stones. And once you’ve had one kidney stone, you are 50 percent more likely to get another within the next 10 years.
Unfortunately, there’s no one sure way to prevent kidney stones, especially if you have a family history of the condition. A combo of diet and lifestyle changes, as well as some medications, may help minimize your risk of developing kidney stones.