Air conditioning is an indispensable device on hot sunny days. However, according to experts, being in a constantly air-conditioned environment for many hours can cause the body to lose water silently. If not adequately hydrated, this condition can create additional pressure on the kidneys and increase the risk of some urinary tract problems.
According to Dr. Shyam Sunder Nowa, a nephrology and kidney transplant specialist at Manipal Hospital (Jaipur, India), many people often only think about the risk of dehydration when outdoors or in hot weather, but ignore the effects of the air-conditioned environment.
Experts say that air conditioning reduces humidity in the air, causing the body to lose water through the skin and respiratory tract. At the same time, cool temperature also reduces the feeling of thirst, causing many people to drink less water without realizing it.
This is a common situation in office workers, students, or people who spend most of their time in closed spaces with air conditioning. Besides, many people have a habit of drinking tea, coffee or caffeinated drinks instead of filtered water. These choices cannot completely replace water supplementation and can cause the body to fall into a state of dehydration if used too much.
When the body is not adequately hydrated, urine becomes more concentrated, increasing the risk of crystal formation in the urinary tract. Over time, prolonged dehydration can contribute to increased risk of kidney stones and affect kidney filtration function.
In addition to sitting in air conditioning for a long time, a busy schedule also makes many people forget to drink water. Some people who exercise in air-conditioned rooms or mainly travel by car also feel less thirsty, thereby unintentionally not meeting the body's water needs.
To reduce the risk of dehydration, experts recommend drinking water regularly throughout the day instead of only drinking when you feel thirsty. You can set a drinking reminder if you have to work for many hours continuously in the office.
In addition, you should limit consuming too much caffeine or sugary drinks. Filtered water is still a priority choice, and you can also supplement water from coconut water, soup or soup to support fluid balance in the body.
Regular air conditioners should also monitor signs of dehydration such as dark urine, prolonged fatigue, or headaches. At the same time, you should spend time exercising lightly and going out into the natural space during the day to help your body adapt better to the environment.
According to Dr. Shyam Sunder Nowa, small changes in living habits, especially maintaining sufficient water intake, can contribute to protecting kidney function and reducing the risk of diseases related to the urinary tract in people who regularly work in a regulated environment.
