Having a kidney stone once can be painful and frustrating. But for some people, the problem doesn't end after the stone passes. Kidney stones can return, sometimes years after the first episode.

If you've experienced more than one kidney stone, you may be wondering: Why does this keep happening?

The answer isn't always as simple as not drinking enough water. Kidney stones can have different causes, and understanding what type of stone you had can be an important part of preventing another one.

Why Do Kidney Stones Form?

Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form when certain minerals or other substances become concentrated in the urine and form crystals. Different types of kidney stones can develop, including calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, and cystine stones. 

Because different stones can have different causes, knowing what type you had can help your healthcare professional determine appropriate prevention strategies.

Why Can Kidney Stones Come Back?

Having a kidney stone once can increase the likelihood of developing another. Family history, not drinking enough fluids, certain medical conditions, and dietary factors can all contribute to kidney stone risk. 

But recurrence isn't necessarily caused by one thing.

The Type of Stone Matters

One of the most important pieces of information is the type of stone you formed.

For example, people who develop calcium oxalate stones may need to pay attention to factors such as sodium and oxalate intake. People who develop uric acid stones may need to discuss animal protein and other dietary factors with a healthcare professional. 

That's why simply following a generic “kidney stone diet” may not be appropriate for everyone.

Hydration Matters

One of the most important general strategies for preventing kidney stones is drinking enough fluid.

Adequate fluid intake helps dilute urine and can help prevent minerals from becoming concentrated enough to form stones. Water is generally the best choice. 

However, how much fluid you need can vary based on your health, activity level, climate, and whether you have conditions that require fluid restriction. If you have kidney failure or another condition affecting fluid intake, ask your healthcare professional about the appropriate amount for you.

Diet Can Play a Role

Your eating habits can also influence kidney stone risk.

Depending on the type of stone, your healthcare professional may recommend changes involving sodium, animal protein, calcium, or oxalate. 

For example, consuming too much sodium can increase the amount of calcium released into urine, which can contribute to the formation of certain calcium-based stones.

The important takeaway is that more restriction isn't necessarily better. Dietary recommendations should be based on your individual situation and, when possible, the type of stone you've had.

What About Uric Acid and Kidney Stones?

Uric acid is another piece of the kidney stone puzzle.

Some kidney stones are made from uric acid. These stones can form when urine contains too much uric acid and is too acidic. People who have had uric acid stones may be advised to make specific dietary or lifestyle changes based on their individual risk factors. 

This is one reason kidney health and healthy uric acid levels can be closely connected.

What Can You Do If Kidney Stones Keep Coming Back?

If you've experienced recurring kidney stones, consider talking with a healthcare professional about what may be contributing to them.

Depending on your situation, evaluation may include learning what your previous stone was made of, reviewing your diet and fluid intake, looking at your medical history, or performing urine or blood tests.

Rather than simply trying to avoid every food associated with kidney stones, understanding your individual risk factors can help you take a more targeted approach.

And if you're experiencing severe pain, blood in your urine, fever, chills, vomiting, or difficulty urinating, seek medical attention rather than attempting to manage the problem on your own.

Supporting Your Kidney Wellness

Alongside appropriate medical care and healthy habits, some people choose nutritional supplements as part of their wellness routine.

Vesipür is PurMEDICA's dietary supplement formulated to provide nutritional support for healthy kidney function and to help maintain healthy uric acid and calcium levels already within the normal range. 

It can be explored as part of a broader approach to kidney and urinary wellness, but supplements should not replace medical evaluation or treatment when kidney stones are recurring.

The Bottom Line

Recurring kidney stones can have more than one cause.

Hydration, diet, family history, medical conditions, and the type of stone you've previously developed can all matter. If kidney stones keep coming back, identifying the underlying factors may be more helpful than simply following a general list of foods to avoid.

Talk with a healthcare professional about your individual risk and the best approach for preventing future stones.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding kidney stones, kidney health, medications, or other health concerns.