Taking care of your kidneys is important in the summer season as extreme heat can play havoc on kidney function. Experts on appropriate lifestyle changes.
Summer is upon us, and in order to remain healthy, one must make the necessary adjustments to their lifestyle. During the summer, the kidneys have to work harder to keep the fluid and electrolyte balance in balance, so they need extra care when the temperature goes up. Drinking sugary beverages can also have a negative impact on kidney health, as can dehydration, which can result in acute kidney injury.
When the mercury rises, it’s important to drink a lot of water and fluids with electrolytes. Your kidneys can also be protected from extreme heat by eating a well-balanced diet, exercising frequently, controlling your blood pressure and sugar levels, and so on.
How summer heat affects kidneys?
In addition to eliminating toxins, the kidney is essential for maintaining body balance in terms of salt and water. It needs 1 liter of blood per minute to carry out these functions. Dehydration reduces blood supply, resulting in worsening kidney function. 15% of people who frequently work in hot environments are thought to have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI).
- Several research studies support the hypothesis that heat stress induces tubular kidney injury, which is worsened by higher core temperatures, dehydration, longer work durations, muscle-damaging exercise, and consumption of beverages containing high levels of fructose.
- Hence during the summer months, there is an increased risk of acute kidney injury due to dehydration.
- Extreme heat can have a significant impact on kidney health. One of the primary ways that heat can affect the kidneys is by causing dehydration.
- When the body loses fluids through sweating, the kidneys have to work harder to filter out waste and toxins.
Lifestyle Changes to boost kidney health in Summer
The most important thing we can do to keep our kidneys healthy is to drink enough water. Generally, one should take 2-3 liters of water a day. This requirement may increase in case the weather is hot and if we are dehydrated.
Lifestyle modifications are important for keeping your kidneys healthy in the summer season.
1. Follow a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet low in salt, fat, and sugar can help prevent kidney disease. Foods high in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, can also protect the kidneys from damage.
2. Drink adequate fluids: Dehydration can be a risk factor for kidney stone formation. Kidney stones are solid masses made up of crystals that form in the kidneys when there is an imbalance of fluids, minerals, and waste products in the urine. When there is not enough water in the body, the urine becomes more concentrated.
3. Regular exercise: Regular exercise can improve kidney function by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
4. Limit smoking and alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney diseases.
5. Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels: High blood pressure and diabetes are two of the leading causes of kidney disease. Monitoring these levels regularly can help prevent kidney damage.