DOCTOK

Are The Kidneys At Risk During Summer

Take a quick guess—who’s your constant companion during the hot months? Are the kidneys at risk during summer? Let’s find out.

You may not be right if you say a hat, cotton clothes, or sunscreen.

What doesn’t leave you the entire summer and remains constantly with you is sweat!

Sweat-mostly water, is your body’s way of saying,” I’m cooling down.” And though it makes you feel uncomfortable it is important for cleansing the body. However, the body like anything else doesn’t need to over cleanse itself and if you are sweating excessively, especially during the summer, then it may be a slight problem. It may be overburdening your kidneys by making them work overtime. This can cause kidney problems and therefore if you are living in hot countries, protecting your kidneys should be amongst the top things on your priority list. 

Sweat and the kidneys

Kidneys do some very important work in the body. They maintain the fluid balance in the body and flush out toxins. So what happens to your kidneys when there is too much sweating?

Sweating can lead to dehydration, which is responsible for fluid loss from the body. When fluids are not replaced, this can lead to a low amount of urine, which is concentrated. This enhances the possibility of kidney stone formation because the risk of mineral build-up is enhanced. Lack of treatment may result in acute kidney injury. In addition, concentrated urine can also be a good environment for bacteria proliferation and may initiate Urinary Tract Infections. (UTI)

The electrolyte balance in the body is destroyed through excessive sweating and the sweat washes out potassium and sodium. The electrolytes are too important for kidneys to work properly, a deficiency can interfere with kidney functions such as maintaining fluids, regulating blood pressure, and acid-base balance.

Sweating in a warm, humid environment can lower the amount of blood going to the kidneys. Such a reduced flow might make it difficult to support the kidney’s functions such as the waste as well as the toxin filtering from the body.

Experts say NSAIDs for instance can increase the odds of kidney complications in hot weather due to its disruption of the blood flow to the kidneys.

Who is most at risk of developing kidney problems during summer?

People who work outdoors and athletes tend to sweat more and are more at risk of developing kidney issues.

People who already have kidney issues are more prone to develop further kidney complications.

Thirst is reduced in certain elderly people making them more prone to dehydration and consequently kidney issues.

Certain blood pressure medicines and diuretics increase urine output and hence lead to fluid imbalance in the body which can cause kidney problems.

Signs that your kidneys may be overburdened due to heat

• The most obvious one is the color of the urine. The rule is that if your urine is dark yellow you may need more fluids.
• Headaches are among the earliest dehydrating signs.
• Dizziness and cramps in the muscles also mean that the body is dehydrated.
• Feeling thirsty over and over again and having a dry mouth means dehydration and more work for the kidneys.
• If you see swelling on your ankles, feet, or hands it’s time to drink more water.
• There is proof that lower back pain and pain on the sides where your kidneys are located are also due to affected kidneys.

How to protect your kidneys this summer

• Start with drinking adequate liquids. Thirst is dehydration already on its way so don’t wait to feel thirsty and keep sipping water. Other fluids include lemon water, coconut water, or ORS. Rock salt can be added to the water if you are into high-level physical activity.
• Salt can increase dehydration so curb the intake of salt and choose vegetables like cucumber that have a high water content instead. Vegetables, fruits, proteins, and grains low in sodium may be good choices. Other healthy kidney foods are leafy greens, berries, apples, and garlic.
• Caffeinated drinks might fool you when they quench your thirst but they are a trap. These carbonated drinks create further water loss from the body dehydrating it.
• Avoid very hot and sunny areas or avoid stepping out when it is too hot to reduce sweating. Staying in colder environments like AC-cooled and shady areas is preferable.
• Wear loose, comfortable cotton and pale clothing so your body cools itself. 
• If at all you are exposed to the above signs and symptoms or you already have kidney issues, consider consulting your doctor and getting proper advice.