Summer kidney-healthy lifestyle modifications 2023

Summer requires healthy lifestyle modifications. Summer temperatures require extra kidney care because kidneys work harder to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. Dehydration and sugary drinks can cause acute renal damage. When temperatures rise, drink lots of water and electrolytes. In high heat, eating well, exercising, and managing blood sugar and blood pressure can preserve your kidneys. Coconut water, lemon juice, and buttermilk should replace aerated drinks, tea, and coffee in the diet. Kidneys weak? 6 kidney-boosting home treatments)

Summer kidney damage

“Kidneys regulate body salt and water and remove poisons. These functions require 1 litre/minute blood flow. Dehydration reduces blood flow and renal function. 15% of hot-workers have CKD or AKI. Dr. Sanjeev Gulati, President, Indian Society of Nephrology and Principal Director, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant at Fortis Group of Hospitals NCR, states “Newborns, elderly, and diabetics are at higher risk.”

Dehydration can damage kidneys during heat waves. Dehydrated kidneys work harder to regulate fluids and electrolytes. Severe dehydration can harm the kidneys. Staying hydrated with water, coconut water, lemon juice, and buttermilk during a heat wave helps kidney health. Avoid dehydration-causing sugary drinks and coffee. Dr. Nipun A C, Senior Consultant, Urology, Pristyn Care, recommends staying indoors during the hottest portions of the day and wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to stay cool.

Several studies suggest that heat stress causes tubular kidney injury, which is worsened by higher core temperatures, dehydration, longer work hours, muscle-damaging exercise, and fructose-rich beverages. Dehydration causes acute renal damage in summer. Infections with diarrhoea, vomiting, or NSAIDS ingestion increase risk. Low-grade kidney damage markers or overt AKI, a clinical diagnosis that usually follows exertional heat stroke in occupational heat exposure, might occur. “Heat-induced kidney injury can lead to chronic kidney disease,” says Dr. Gulati.

Extreme heat damages kidneys. Heat dehydrates the kidneys. Sweating makes the kidneys work harder to filter waste and poisons. Untreated, this strain can harm or kill the kidneys. Extreme heat can cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. Sodium, potassium, and magnesium influence biological activities, including kidney function. Electrolyte imbalances can damage the kidneys by impairing waste and toxin filtering.

Heat exhaustion can also damage kidneys. Overheating causes dizziness, nausea, and confusion. “If the kidneys don’t get enough blood, they may not function properly, leading to further complications,” says Dr. Pradip Saruk, MBBS, MD, DM(Nephrology), Consultant Nephrologist & Transplant physician, CARE CIIGMA Hospitals Aurangabad.

Summer kidney-healthy lifestyle modifications

Water is the best thing we can do for our kidneys. Drink 2-3 litres of water daily. Hot temperatures and dehydration may enhance this need. Dehydration and severe renal damage result from drinking less water. In summer, acute diarrhoea diseases are more likely, thus we need clean and hygienic food and drink. In summer, athletes and marathon runners are more at risk of dehydration, says

Before the kidneys are damaged, get medical attention for heat-related or gastroenteritis-related dehydration. Dr. Khirbat explains that if we drink enough water during the summer and in cases of acute water loss like gastroenteritis, we would recover faster and keep our kidneys healthy.

Dr. Nipun recommends summer kidney-healthy lifestyle changes.

• Eat a balanced diet reduced in salt, fat, and sugar to prevent renal disease. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables protect the kidneys.
• Hydrate: Dehydration can cause kidney stones. When urine fluids, minerals, and waste products are imbalanced, crystals form kidney stones. Urine concentrates with dehydration.
• Regular exercise: Lowering blood pressure and risk of diabetes and heart disease improves kidney function.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Both can harm the kidneys and raise the risk of renal disease.
• Check blood pressure and sugar: High blood pressure and diabetes are leading factors of renal damage. Monitoring these levels routinely prevents kidney injury.
• Regular kidney function testing can detect issues early and avoid surgery for severe or chronic kidney stones, allowing for rapid treatment and management.

Dr. Sanjeev Gulati offers summer kidney-protection tips:

• Avoid intense outdoor activity during peak heat hours (12 PM-4 PM).
• Drink water/juice. Avoid sodas.
• Avoid painkiller self-medication.
• High-BP patients should check and reduce medicines as needed.
• Diabetics should control blood sugar to avoid dehydration.

Hydrate with water and electrolyte-rich fluids to maintain kidney health in high temperatures. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes eating a balanced diet, exercising, regulating blood pressure and blood sugar, and not smoking. To prevent kidney injury, seek medical assistance for dehydration or heat exhaustion. Dr. Saruk says you can protect your kidney health and function in excessive heat with careful care.