According to the National Kidney Foundation, the kidneys play a role in filtering waste, regulating electrolytes and maintaining fluid balance in the body. When the body is dehydrated for a long time, blood flow to the kidneys may decrease, causing this organ to work more stressed.
Many people currently only drink water when they feel thirsty. However, experts say that thirst sometimes appears quite late, when the body has started to lack water. Signs such as dark urine, dry lips, fatigue or dizziness may indicate that hydration is not sufficient.
Another mistake is abusing soft drinks, milk tea or energy drinks to "cool down". Drinks high in sugar can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and affect long-term metabolic health.
In particular, many energy drinks contain quite high levels of caffeine. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), people at risk of kidney disease should pay attention to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and controlling metabolic factors such as blood sugar, blood pressure and weight.
Recent studies have also noted that consuming too many sugary drinks is associated with an increased risk of long-term kidney dysfunction.
A study published in PubMed in 2024 showed that a diet high in added sugar and ultra-processed foods is associated with the risk of metabolic disorders and affecting kidney function.
In addition to drinks, the habit of holding back urination in the summer is also a noteworthy issue. Many people working outdoors or moving continuously often try to hold back urination for a long time.
According to urology experts, this can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and affect bladder activity.
In addition, a too salty diet in the summer can also create additional pressure on the kidneys. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), consuming too much sodium increases the risk of high blood pressure - one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease.
Many people currently have a habit of eating processed foods, instant noodles or fast food on hot days because of convenience. However, these foods often contain a lot of salt, phosphate additives and saturated fat, which are not beneficial for cardiovascular and kidney health if consumed regularly.
According to Mayo Clinic, the most effective way to protect the kidneys is still to maintain stable blood pressure, drink enough water, exercise regularly and eat balanced.
