There is no proof yet of it being something that can be passed down the family tree. That said, I'm not the only one in my family that gets stones.

Like Matrik said, it can just be your genetic makeup that causes you to not process calcium and other minerals in your body correctly, and little bits of minerals clump together in your kidney's (maybe in less words than I just did). MOST people have stones, actually. Its a natural defense mechanism of the body. MOST people never have symptoms, because the stones are too small, or just never break up and leave the kidney. If the stone that's too big for the little hose never tries to go into the hose, you don't have pain. If it does, you want to rip your own dick off (during the worst waves).

High protein diets are problematic. High sugar intake is problematic. Mineral water is bad. Even tap water can be, because the minerals that aren't filtered, which aren't necessarily bad for you for the most part, can be a big issue for someone with chronic stone issues. Distilled water is the way to go.

Exercise is also good, especially while experiencing a stone, because it can literally help move things along the urinary system.

Last thing...citric acid, especially lemons, are good. Lemon in your water can used to *help* prevent future stones. Also, citric acid, while having a stone, can help move things along. And, BEER is good too. One of the big things with stones is you need to get them out of your body. Beer makes you piss faster than water. It also relaxes things inside your body. Those two factors combined (don't get piss drunk) can help flush a stone in hours. If you're lucky.

I'm not lucky yet.