Summer season is here, and one needs to make appropriate lifestyle changes to stay healthy.
Kidneys have to work extra hard during summer season to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and thus need extra care when the temperatures rise. Dehydration can lead to acute kidney injury while drinking sugary drinks can also take a toll on kidney health.
It is important to consume plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids when the mercury rises. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing blood sugar levels and blood pressure can also protect your kidneys in extreme heat. Coconut water, lemon juice and buttermilk must be added to the daily diet, while aerated beverages, tea and coffee must be avoided.
How summer heat affects kidneys
“Kidney plays a critical role in mantaining salt and water balance in body besides removing toxins. For performing these functions, it requires blood supply at rate of 1 litre/minute. In states of dehydration the blood supply is reduced and hence kidney function worsens.
It is estimated that CKD and/or acute kidney injury (AKI) are present in 15% of individuals who frequently work in hot environments. The risk is greater in extremes of age (new-borns and elderly) as well as those with diabetes or pre-existing kidney disease,” says Dr Sanjeev Gulati, President, Indian Society of Nephrology and Principal Director, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant at Fortis Group of Hospitals NCR.
“Heat waves can lead to dehydration, which can impact kidneys. When the body is dehydrated, the kidneys work harder to maintain the right balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. If dehydration is severe, it can lead to kidney damage.
To manage kidney health during a heat wave, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids like coconut water, lemon juice, and buttermilk. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine, which can increase the risk of dehydration.
“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 summer months there is an increased risk of acute kidney injury due to dehydration. The risk is higher if there are associated infections with diarrhoea or vomiting or inadvertent intake of painkiller (NSAIDS).
This injury can be low-grade, as assessed with kidney injury markers or overt AKI which is a clinical diagnosis that typically occurs subsequent to exertional heat stroke in the setting of occupational heat exposure. Not only that repetitive kidney injury caused by physical work in the heat can progress to chronic kidney disease,” adds Dr Gulati.