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Are you at risk? Winter can make your kidney stones worse—here’s how to prevent them
Dehydration in winter poses unique risks to kidney health, including kidney stones and UTIs. We contacted a health expert, who points out signs like dark urine and dizziness as warning indicators. So how to deal with dehydration in winter and save your kidneys? Read on to know more.
Are you at risk? Cold can make your kidney stones worse—here’s how to prevent them (Image credit: iStock)
Winter may feel less dehydrated than summer, but your kidneys face unique risks during the colder months. Dehydration in winter can lead to kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and even long-term kidney damage. Staying hydrated is important to keep your kidneys healthy and functioning properly. To understand this, we spoke to Dr Ankit Goyal, Head of Urology at MASH, New Delhi symptoms of dehydration And how to protect kidney health during winter.
Why is dehydration a problem for your kidneys? Your kidneys filter waste and toxins from your blood and balance essential minerals in your body. This process requires plenty of water. When you don’t drink enough alcohol, your urine becomes concentrated, increasing the risk of kidney stones and other complications. Over time, dehydration can stress your kidneys and even lead to chronic kidney problems.
Common symptoms of dehydration
Dr. Goyal points out three key symptoms to look out for:
1. Change in color or flow of urine:
Healthy urine should be light yellow in color. Dark yellow or amber colored urine indicates dehydration. If you’re producing less urine, your body is conserving water, which can increase your risk of kidney problems.
2. Dry Mouth and Thirst:
Feeling thirsty or experiencing dry mouth are early signs of dehydration. It is easy to ignore these signals in winter as we often feel less thirsty.
3. Headache and Dizziness:
Dehydration can reduce blood flow to the brain, causing headaches and dizziness.
Why does the risk of dehydration increase in winter?
Winter brings unique challenges to staying hydrated:
– Less thirst in cold weather:
In winter, your body’s thirst quenching mechanism is less active, so you may drink less water without thinking.
– electrolyte imbalance:
Dehydration affects the kidneys’ ability to balance electrolytes, which can lead to muscle cramps and other problems.
– Low Vitamin D Levels:
Vitamin D levels reduce due to less sunlight in winter, which can increase the risk of kidney stones Formation.
How to Stay Hydrated and Protect Your Kidneys Here’s how you can avoid dehydration and keep your kidneys healthy:
1. Drink water regularly:
Even if you don’t feel thirsty, make it a habit to drink water throughout the day. Aim to drink 6-8 glasses per day, and increase your intake if you’re active.
2. Eat Hydrating Food:
Include fruits and vegetables like oranges, cucumbers and watermelon in your diet. Warm soups and herbal teas can also promote hydration.
3. Check the color of your urine:
Use the color of your urine as a guide. If it’s dark, it’s a sign that you need to drink more water.
4. Get Sunlight:
Spend some time in the sun to maintain healthy vitamin D levels, which aids kidney health.
Benefits of staying hydrated
Drinking enough water not only benefits your kidneys:
– It helps your body digest food and absorb nutrients.
– It flushes out toxins and reduces the risk of infection.
– It keeps your skin healthy and improves energy levels.
Studies show that proper hydration reduces the risk of kidney stones and other kidney problems.
when to see a doctor
If you have dark urine, headache, or dizziness that does not go away, consult a doctor. Severe dehydration can damage your kidneys and requires medical attention. “Hydration isn’t just about quenching thirst – it’s essential for your overall well-being,” advises Dr. Goyal.
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