Can your kidneys handle unbearable heat? Summer habits that can mess with the body's filters

The kidneys are what keep you healthy and upright during the summer. Yes, these filters aid in thermoregulation, cardiovascular control and water and electrolyte regulation. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, during heat stress, the kidneys are at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is caused by habits such as dehydration and exercise. Below are some summer habits that can mess with your kidneys and lead to diseases such as chronic kidney disease.

The increase in heat temperatures is accompanied by increased sweating, which means the body is losing fluids at a much faster pace than normal. If you don't make up for the lost fluid by drinking enough water, the urine volume will decrease, which will lead to concentrated urine, which is the fertile ground for infections and stones. Dehydration can also cause the kidneys to work harder, increasing the risk of kidney damage over time. Therefore, it's essential to stay hydrated to support overall kidney function and prevent complications.

When we sweat, the body loses important electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. The imbalance can impact kidney functioning, cause muscle fatigue, cramps, nausea and even irregular heartbeat.

While staying fit is a must, you can sometimes end up overexerting yourself, and it can impact your kidneys. In the summer, kidneys are already working overtime to maintain the body's balance, and when you strain them with excessive physical activity, there's more fluid loss, which, when not refilled, leads to health problems.

Summers are a season when most go on a splendid vacation and indulge in a variety of ultra-processed foods which are high in fats, sugar, salts and additives. According to a study that tracked 14,000 adults for 24 years, those who ate a lot of ultra-processed food had a 24% higher risk of kidney diseases, and nearly 5,000 of them developed chronic kidney diseases.

Diets high in sodium can also be problematic for the kidneys, especially for people who have a kidney-related issue. The kidneys filter excess water from the blood, as they need a good balance of sodium and potassium. A diet high in sodium causes imbalance, thus leading to strain on the kidneys and high blood pressure.

The kidneys are responsible for regulating the water in the body, but the presence of alcohol in the body can reduce it. Too much alcohol raises blood pressure, leading to kidney damage over time as they have to work harder.