Our kidneys are the silent regulators of the body: they filter toxins, maintain fluid balance, and regulate blood pressure. Yet all too often, we only pay attention to them when something goes wrong.

How can you recognize the early warning signs of kidney dysfunction? And what steps should you take to protect your renal health?

We discussed this with Dr. Lelio Polidori, Nephrologist and Head of the Dialysis Unit at our clinic.

Key Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Kidney conditions often develop silently. However, our body sends specific signals that should never be overlooked.

What are the primary symptoms to watch out for?

• Lower Limb Swelling: Unusual fluid retention in the legs and ankles.

• Persistent Fatigue: Ongoing exhaustion, which can be linked to anemia.

• Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure: Blood pressure levels that become difficult to manage with standard therapies.

• Changes in Urination: Shifts in frequency or volume, or a burning sensation during urination.

If you notice these symptoms persisting—or if routine blood work reveals altered levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, or blood glucose—consulting a nephrologist is an essential step. A specialist consultation is also strongly recommended for anyone managing treatment-resistant hypertension or with a family history of kidney disease.

What Does Kidney Prevention Involve?

Renal prevention means adopting a lifestyle tailored to support optimal kidney function, which includes:

• Regular blood pressure monitoring;

• Routine blood tests to verify healthy kidney function;

• Urinalysis;

• Renal and bladder ultrasound imaging to visualize the organs.

Summer Wellness: 3 Golden Rules to Protect Your Kidneys

As summer temperatures rise, our body’s internal balance is put to the test. To keep your kidneys functioning at their best, Dr. Polidori recommends three simple yet vital daily habits:

1. Consistent (and Paced) Hydration:

   While drinking around two liters of water daily is ideal, the key lies in distributing your intake evenly throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts all at once.

2. Electrolyte-Rich Diet:

   Prioritize fruits and vegetables, which are naturally rich in water and essential minerals. Conversely, limit salt and alcohol intake to avoid overworking the kidneys.

3. Smart Physical Activity:

   Exercise benefits kidney health, but timing is everything: avoid working out during the hottest peak hours of the day, opting instead for early morning or cooler evening hours for a walk or light exercise.

Can You Drink Too Much Water?

Over-hydration can actually become problematic. A healthy target is roughly 1 to 1.5 liters outside of main meals, totaling around two liters per day.

Hydration must be balanced and aligned with your dietary electrolyte intake—as with most things, extreme excess can do more harm than good.

Il movimento fa bene anche alla funzionalità renale, ma occhio all’orologio: evitate rigorosamente le ore più calde e intense della giornata, preferendo il fresco del mattino o della sera per una camminata o un po’ di ginnastica.

Bere tanto aiuta la funzione renale?

Idratarsi troppo a volte può diventare anche un problema, l’idratazione deve raggiungere  di 1 L-1,5 fuori dai pasti, circa due litri al giorno.

L’idratazione deve essere equilibrata e regolata rispetto al regime alimentare ad introduzione di elettroliti: l’esagerazione come in tutte le cose può portare danno.