Kidney-friendly Guide to the Summer: Stay Healthy and Cool
Summer is here and is the time for fun in the sun, but it is also a challenging time for the kidney. The scorching temperature can be harsh to newborns, the elderly, and those with pre-existing kidney, heart, or liver problems.
People tend to get dehydrated during the hot summer heat. Our kidneys need to work harder in the summer season to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. In order to function properly, our kidneys require blood supply at 1L/min. When we are in a state of dehydration, our blood volume and blood supply are reduced, hence putting a lot of stress on the kidneys. If dehydration is severe, it can lead to kidney damage.
Our kidneys could need extra care when the temperature rises. Check out the tips to protect our kidneys when heat waves arrive.
1. Stay indoors during the hottest time of the day.
2. Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater.
3. Alert for dehydration signs such as dry mouth, dark urine color, increasing fatigue, etc.
4. Healthy adults can drink 2 – 3L of water a day to stay hydrated. People under fluid restriction should consult the healthcare team for adequate fluid intake to avoid fluid overload.
5. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine, as those can worsen dehydration.
6. Drink water before a workout and replenish it every 30 – 45 mins.
- * All research and clinical data should be used as reference purposes only, results may vary.
