4 tips to keep your kidneys healthy in summer

Find out how important it is to take some precautions this time of year to avoid kidney disease

Summer requires extra care for your body, especially your kidneys. This is because this organ is not limited to just filtering blood and eliminating toxins; it also helps regulate body temperature, maintaining the balance of fluids, salts and blood pressure, making hydration essential during the cycle.

“Prolonged or recurrent dehydration, as well as reduced blood flow to the kidneys, related to excess heat, can cause an acute worsening of kidney function. In addition, dehydration leads to reduced urine flow, which can facilitate the formation of stones in the urinary tract and bacterial proliferation, with a greater risk, respectively, of urinary lithiasis and urinary infections”, says nephrologist Paula Gabriela Sousa, of the Evangélico de Sorocaba Hospital (HES).

Therefore, below, the doctor lists 4 simple measures to keep the kidneys healthy during the season. Check!

1. Consume drinks that hydrate the body

To prevent the problems mentioned above, hydration is essential. In addition to water, isotonic drinks, coconut water and natural juices are good options. “If the person does not have specific diseases that require control of hiring of liquids and some restrictions on the sources of ‘salts’, such as potassium, there are no contraindications for any specific drink, however it must be kept in mind that the abuse of some substances is never recommended and, in summer, it is no different”, warns the nephrologist.

For example, he cites alcoholic beverages, which increase the risk of dehydration by inhibiting the secretion of a hormone responsible for fluid retention in the kidneys. “It should also be remembered that industrialized drinks, with added sugars and carbonated drinks are not recommended in large quantities. The key word, as always, is balance”, underlines Paula Gabriela Sousa.

2. Prioritize natural foods

Food also plays an important role. To protect kidney health and control associated chronic diseases, Paula Gabriela Sousa recommends giving priority to natural foods and avoiding processed and ultra-processed foods, which contain high levels of sodium.

“Excessive sodium consumption is one of the main dietary risk factors for many chronic diseasesincluding kidney disease and hypertension. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends that sodium intake be less than 2 grams per day. I prefer to peel more and unpack less,” he advises.

3. Invest in exercises suited to your physical condition

In summer, practicing physical activity requires additional attention. “In the context of the intense heat and environmental exposures during this time of year, the possibility of dehydration increases which, combined with possible muscle injury, can lead to rapid worsening of kidney function due to a combination of dehydration and the effects of these substances released by injured muscles, potentially harmful to the kidneys”, explains the nephrologist.

The advice is therefore to practice activities suited to your conditioning, under the supervision of qualified professionals, look for times with less exposure to ultraviolet rays and take breaks to always stay hydrated.

4. Consult your doctor regularly

Finally, Paula Gabriela Sousa points out that many kidney diseases are silent and asymptomatic, however some signs may be indicative of kidney disease and should be observed. They are: change of urine coloration (becoming darker, brownish or with visible blood), burning when urinating, intense muscle pain or weakness, reduction in the amount of urine during the day, nausea, vomiting, changes in consciousness (excessive drowsiness, mental confusion) and edema (swelling of the legs).

“Try to keep up with yours requests routine medical care, so that you can receive specific advice for your case regarding nutrition, hydration and physical activity throughout the year, even during periods of intense heat”, he concludes.

By Giuliana Moreno

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.