Do you often get dehydrated and worry about your kidney health? You may face several risks to your kidney health if you are not getting enough hydration for your body. Hydration is important for the kidneys, as they need adequate fluid levels to function properly. Let’s see how your kidney health is affected by dehydration and what the possible ways are to regain your kidney health.
What is dehydration?
The expulsion of fluid from the body is more than the intake. This condition is said to be dehydration. If there is not enough hydration, it affects both mental and physical performance. In some cases, it may be life-threatening. Better consult the best kidney specialist in Coimbatore, as they can give better knowledge about dehydration and how it can affect kidney function so that you can save yourself from problems that arise from dehydration.
Factors that are responsible for the cause of dehydration in the body
Inadequate Fluid Intake
It results in the incapability of the body to perform its functions, like lubricating joints and managing body temperature. The reduced fluid intake can be caused by forgetfulness to drink water or reduced sensation of thirst, which commonly happens in older adults.
Diarrhea
The rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes from the digestive tract is a major cause of diarrhea, and water absorption is reduced. It results in prolonged diarrhea, which is dangerous for young children and older adults because it reduces the water and salt levels in the body.
Excessive sweating
When the body needs to cool itself, sweating is one of the ways for it. It happens when there is hot weather, stress, or exercise. This type of excessive sweating happens in individuals who are athletes or laborers who are working under hot sunlight, and people who have hyperhidrosis. Water and sweat contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which result in muscle cramps, fatigue, and confusion.
How can you find that your body is dehydrated?
The loss of fluids results in dehydration and leads to an imbalance in body functions like muscles, organs, and cells. It also leads to kidney infection and pain. These signs and symptoms show our body needs more fluids. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, which depends on how much fluid is lost and how quickly it happens. The signs that the body gives to note dehydration are,
- Thirst
- Dry skin and mouth
- Change in urine colour (Yellow)
- Decreased level of urine
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dry eyes or Headache
How does dehydration cause kidney damage?
Kidney damage can be caused in several ways, and it affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and maintain fluid balance. Dehydration can increase the kidney infection symptoms and result in the development of further complications. The causes include
Reduced blood flow
Dehydration not only reduces the levels of fluid but also lowers the volume of the blood that reaches the kidneys. The kidney uses blood flow to filter the waste, and reduced blood flow affects the function of the kidney and results in kidney damage. This is a key cause of dehydration. Other minor causes are
Concentrated urine, kidney cell damage, imbalance in electrolytes, and chronic kidney disease.
What are some ways to be hydrated?
As we know, staying hydrated is important for kidney health, and there are many effective ways to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water, from 6 to 8 glasses a day, can give better hydration to the body. The amount of water needed for every individual may depend on their body needs, health condition, physical activity level, and the climate where they live. Not only plain water but also food like cucumbers, watermelons, and strawberries can increase hydration, as they have more water content.
Effective ways to stay hydrated are
- Sip water throughout the day and eat water-rich foods like oranges, watermelon, and lettuce.
- Set a reminder to drink water frequently and add some natural flavour to the water, like lemon, mint, or berries.
- Limiting dehydrating drinks like alcohol, sugary foods, and caffeinated beverages can help avoid fluid loss.
How is kidney function important to our body?
Kidney function is important to maintain the overall health of the body, as it is an essential function and plays several roles. The kidneys are usually bean-shaped, which makes them look smaller, but they are fuller than other organs, as they hold the maximum amount of blood every day. The waste, like toxins and urea, from the bloodstream is removed by the kidneys. If this function of the kidney is not working, harmful substances can damage the body.
As kidneys play a vital role in body function, it’s important to maintain kidney health. Get kidney infection treatment in Coimbatore, as they provide expert care for your kidney health, which can save you from life-threatening conditions.
Conclusion
You can end your fear of kidney damage by staying hydrated. Drinking more water and eating food that has more water content, as mentioned in the blog, can avoid dehydration, and it can save you from kidney damage. Seek medical help for regular checkups, which can identify the problem in advance and improve your recovery journey.
