Summer, to prevent kidney stones drink at least three liters of water a day

Punctual, with the warm weather, the recommendations for sheltering from the heat, increasingly excessive in recent years, return. Drinking, and drinking a lot, is valid for everyone: the general rule is to consume at least two liters of water a day. But for some categories of people, this is not enough: for example, those who suffer from kidney stones and those who want to prevent them must drink at least 3 liters of water a day. The Italian Society of Nephrology renews the recommendation, along with a series of useful indications for protecting kidney health in the season most at risk.

Dehydration and kidney stones

“Dehydration (lack of water in our body) is one of the main risk factors for the formation of kidney stones, especially in the summer, when sweating increases and urine becomes concentrated,” explained Luca De Nicola , president of the Italian Society of Nephrology (Sin) and full professor at the Vanvitelli University of Naples.

In fact, the increase in urinary concentration favors the precipitation of salts - such as calcium and oxalates - and thus the formation of stones. On the other hand, the more you drink, the more you favor the dilution of urine and counteract the phenomenon. "You don't have to eliminate calcium from your diet, on the contrary: it is essential for bones. The real problem is dehydration, not milk or dairy products", adds the expert.

Indications against calculosis

Dietary recommendations against kidney stones - a problem that is estimated to affect up to 10% of the population - suggest consuming fruit and vegetables, herbal teas, possibly resorting to the use of potassium citrate and reducing the consumption of red meat, spinach, bran and dried fruit. "Kidney stones often manifest themselves with sudden and violent colic of intensity similar to 'childbirth' pain. A piercing pain, localized in the lower back, which can radiate towards the groin. The affected patient is usually agitated, seeking relief, unlike those suffering from lumbosciatica who tend to remain immobile".

To help expel small stones, applying a warm cloth or a warm bath can help, so as to induce relaxation of the smooth muscles and the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder), experts explain.

Not just kidney stones: the risk of acute renal failure

"Summer not only increases the risk of kidney stones but also that of acute kidney failure, especially in the elderly, who have a reduced capacity to retain salt. It is therefore necessary to increase salt intake during this period if blood pressure is normal (130/80 mmHg) and there is no generalized edema from heart failure or decompensated liver cirrhosis - explains De Nicola - The kidneys are the most intelligent organs in our body: they work silently to maintain the balance of water, salts, blood pressure and vitamins. But without proper hydration and a sufficient intake of salt, they cannot do their job". Finally, experts warn against the risk of a drop in blood pressure and blood supply to vital organs and possible complications, from tiredness to heart attack and stroke, with the heat.