World Kidney Day 2021: Health tips to take care of kidneys in summer
Summers can be hard on the body, especially the kidneys, if certain precautions related to hydration are not followed. “However, hydration is not just about drinking water,” said Dr. Suman Lata, director and senior consultant for Nephrology at Dharamshila Narayana Hospital for Superspecialties. Proper functioning of both kidneys is key to maintaining the body’s homeostatic balance and keeping it healthy.
On World Kidney Day, which is celebrated annually on March 11, here are some tips to keep your kidneys healthy.
Eat foods rich in water
Considering that we sweat more in the summer, staying hydrated is surely the key. In addition to drinking at least 10 to 12 glasses of water per day, increase your intake of water-rich fruits to ensure necessary nutrition along with hydration.
Dehydration increases the risk of stone formation; Also among the elderly, dehydration increases the risk of kidney damage. Take special care with children and the elderly in this regard. Patients who already suffer from kidney problems should follow an eating pattern according to the suggestion of the doctor in question.
Also, always eat balanced meals in summer. Dr Rajesh Aggrawal, Senior Consultant and Head of the Action Kidney Dialysis and Transplant Department, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute suggested the following measures.
Limit your salt intake
Consuming extra salt increases blood pressure, which affects kidney function. Try to limit the amount of salt in your food. Normally, we take 7 to 10 g of salt per day, which should be reduced to 4 to 5 g. In patients with CKD (chronic kidney disease), heart problems, portal hypertension, high blood pressure, taking more salt increases the risk of urinary stone formation.
Adequate fiber intake
Although fiber intake is suggested for better digestion, it is equally beneficial for better kidney function. CKD patients are also suggested to take more fiber. Add more raw foods to your daily meals like beans, peas, berries, cantaloupe, etc.
Avoid going out to eat
The food we eat outside the home is usually unhealthy. Along with food poisoning, indigestion, they also potentially increase the risk of kidney infection as they are high in sugar, salt, saturated fat, etc.
“Rather, eat healthy foods, keep your weight under control, avoid smoking, exercise every day, avoid taking more pain relievers like Brufen or voveran,” said Dr. Aggrawal.
Dr. Sudeep Singh Sachdev, Senior Consultant and Clinical Leader – Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Gurugram of Narayana Superspecialty Hospital also shared some insights.
Avoid overexertion / overstressing of muscles
It could cause rhabdomyolysis. Exercising and being active is essential, but try not to overdo it. “Very few people know that muscle injuries are also dangerous to kidney health. Severe muscle injury sometimes leads to a loss of protein in the bloodstream, which in turn can lead to kidney failure, which is called rhabdomyolysis. For this reason, it is advisable to avoid putting additional pressure on the body with regular intense training, ”said Dr. Sachdev.
Avoid unnecessary use of over-the-counter pain relievers such as indomethacin, combiflam, ibuprofen, aspirin, as they can damage the kidneys, especially when taken for a long time in high doses.
Pay attention to the amount of medicine you are taking. (Source: Getty Images / Thinkstock)
Keep your blood sugar and blood pressure levels in check and check them regularly. If you are diabetic or hypertensive, take your medications religiously as prescribed by your doctor. “Both diabetes mellitus and hypertension can damage the kidneys significantly if they are allowed to progress uncontrollably,” said Dr. Sachdev.
* “Avoid taking Chinese herbal or metal-containing alternative medications, as these medications have been linked to the progression of kidney (tubulointerstitial) disorders,” said Dr. Sachdev.
* The simplest and easiest way to keep your kidneys healthy is to drink plenty of water (at least 10 to 12 glasses a day), especially in summers when the chances of dehydration are high.
* Last but not least, never ignore any warning signs or symptoms of kidney disease and consult a doctor immediately, in case of
– Any change in color or consistency or frequency of urination.
– Presence of foul-smelling urine
– Foam in the urine
– Burning sensation when urinating
– Swelling around the eyes, bilateral lower extremities
– Weakness, anorexia, easy fatigue.
– Nausea, tendency to vomit, vomiting episodes.
– Itchy dry skin
– Detection of new-onset hypertension or anemia (low hemoglobin)
– Back pain or lower abdominal pain
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She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.