Have you ever had kidney stones? You'd probably do almost anything to avoid experiencing that pain again.

Passing a kidney stone has been called one of the most painful experiences anyone can experience. Unfortunately kidney stones recur in between 35 and 50 percent of patients, unless something is done to prevent it.

These tips may help you reduce the risk of a second bout with kidney stones:

Know Your Stones:

There are two major types of kidney stones. Some are formed by calcium, and others by uric acid. Knowing which type of stone you've had can help you make dietary changes that reduce your risk of a recurrence.

Ask your urologist, like Baddour David B MD, or provider if there are any steps you should take to reduce your risk for kidney stones.You may be prescribed a preventive medication or given specific dietary instructions.

Stay Hydrated

Plan to take in plenty of water, juice and other fluids every day. Try drinking a full glass (8 oz.) with each meal and two or three glasses between each meal.

Staying well-hydrated helps your kidneys function normally and pass minerals that might otherwise build up to form stones. If you build up a sweat during the day, you can replace the liquid you lose by drinking extra water.

Change Your Diet

If you had calcium stones:

Many nutritious foods contain oxalate, a substance that can bind with calcium to form stones. Fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts contain oxalates.

Rather than cut oxalates from your diet, try eating calcium-rich foods (such as dairy products, broccoli and some types of fish). Eating calcium and oxalates at the same time makes it more likely the two substances will bind together in your stomach or intestine instead of joining in your kidney and forming stones.

If you had uric acid stones:

Uric acid stones form due to purines, substances often found in meat and seafood. Purines can stimulate excess production of uric acid, which causes stones to form.

Cutting back on a high-fat, high protein diet can help reduce uric acid production. Foods with high purine levels include liver, sardines, bacon, red meat, lobster, shrimp, ham, and veal. Among vegetables, cauliflower is high in purines.

Kidney stones can form without any real symptoms. In fact, some people have stones for years and never feel them. If you experience severe pain in your groin, along with fever or chills, however, you may be having another attack and should contact your doctor.