How does heat affect kidney function?

According to MSc Ngo Van Tan, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital – Campus 3, in recent years, extreme heat waves with temperatures above 37-38 degrees Celsius have appeared more often. In this context, the notion that “drinking lots of water is enough” does not fully reflect the complexity of protecting health, especially kidney function.

The danger of kidney stones from extreme weather

The kidneys play the role of filtering blood, eliminating waste and balancing electrolytes. When it’s hot, the body loses water mainly through sweat.

If not properly rehydrated, urine will become concentrated, causing minerals such as calcium, oxalate or uric acid to easily crystallize into stones. This is why the rate of people with kidney stones often increases in the summer, even for people who have never had a history of kidney disease.

Mistakes when rehydrating: More harm than good

Drinking water is necessary, but drinking it “the wrong way” has many potential risks:

• Drink all at once: Many people have the habit of drinking large amounts of water right after going out in the sun or exercising vigorously. This quickly dilutes the salt concentration in the blood, causing electrolyte disorders with symptoms of fatigue, headaches, and even dizziness.

• Abuse of soft drinks and energy drinks: Carbonated drinks containing too much sugar or mineral salts not only do not protect the kidneys but also increase the metabolic burden, promoting stone formation.

Advice: Divide the amount of water into small amounts, drink regularly several times a day even when you don’t feel thirsty. Filtered water is still the optimal choice. High-intensity workers can supplement electrolyte water in moderation.

Danger from the habit of “cooling off” immediately

Taking a cold shower right after going out in the sun is a habit of many people but it poses great risks. When the body is hot, blood vessels dilate, sudden exposure to cold water causes rapid vasoconstriction, causing temporary circulatory disorders.

Although it does not directly cause kidney disease, this condition, repeated frequently, can affect the blood supply to the organs, especially dangerous for the elderly or people with cardiovascular disease.

Warning signs that the kidneys are “crying for help”

Early signals from the body during the hot season:

• Dark urine, strong odor, small amount of urine.
• Mild burning sensation.
• Constant thirst with fatigue.
• Dull pain in the hip or lower back.

Disease prevention according to the principle of “Cooling heat – Regenerating”

From the perspective of traditional medicine, summer belongs to the Fire element, easily causing damage to new epidemics. To protect your health, doctor Ngo Van Tan recommends:

• Drinking regimen: Drink water regularly, prioritize filtered water, limit stimulants and drinks with too much sugar.
• Diet: Increase green vegetables and cool fruits to help clear heat and produce new fluids.
• Activities: Absolutely do not take a cold shower right after vigorous exercise or just coming back from the sun.
• Monitor: Pay attention to observe unusual changes in urine and back pain.

Heat may only be a temporary discomfort, but its silent effects on the kidneys and metabolic system can have long-term consequences. Understanding and practicing correct prevention is the simplest way to protect yourself against the harsh weather.