Kidney health risks may rise during summer as dehydration, painkillers and poor hydration habits strain the body silently.
RAS AL KHAIMAH: Medical experts at RAK Hospital are warning residents about growing kidney health risks during the summer, as extreme temperatures and common daily habits may silently damage kidney function over time. Specialists say repeated dehydration, excessive caffeine intake, sugary drinks and unsupervised use of painkillers can place hidden pressure on the kidneys, often without immediate symptoms.
Dr Ajinkya Shivaji Patil, Specialist Nephrologist at RAK Hospital, explained that dehydration reduces blood flow to the kidneys and gradually affects the tiny filtering units responsible for removing toxins and balancing fluids in the body. He noted that repeated dehydration episodes can slowly reduce kidney efficiency and may eventually contribute to long-term complications.
The kidney health risks become significantly higher for vulnerable groups including outdoor workers, people exposed to prolonged heat, patients with diabetes or hypertension and individuals already living with kidney disease. In severe cases, dehydration may trigger dizziness, fatigue, fluid retention and reduced urine output.
Doctors also warned that many people incorrectly rely on coffee, soft drinks or energy drinks instead of water during summer. According to Dr Patil, caffeinated and sugary beverages may worsen dehydration rather than replace lost fluids. Frequent use of painkillers without medical supervision may also reduce blood flow to the kidneys and increase long-term damage risks.
The specialist further cautioned against extreme dieting, prolonged fasting without hydration and the misuse of gym supplements or anabolic steroids. While high-protein diets do not damage healthy kidneys, excessive protein intake can worsen existing kidney disease.
Dr Patil said there is no universal formula for daily water intake because hydration needs vary depending on body size, outdoor exposure and physical activity. He advised residents to monitor hydration levels by checking urine colour, with pale yellow generally indicating adequate hydration. Experts stressed that preventing kidney health risks through regular hydration, moderation and routine health checks remains the safest approach during the UAE summer.
