What happens when the kidneys are dehydrated for an extended period?

When kidney health declines, overall health is affected. Melanie Betz, a nephrologist at the University of Chicago, explains: “The kidneys function to remove waste products, retain beneficial nutrients in the body, maintain an ideal pH level, convert vitamin D into a useful form, and help the body produce red blood cells.”

Although there are many ways to support kidney function, experts agree that staying hydrated is one of the most important, as dehydration can lead to the following health consequences:

Reduced blood flow to the kidneys

The kidneys filter 200 liters of blood each day and rely heavily on water to maintain stable blood flow. When the body's water content decreases, the amount of blood filtered by the kidneys also decreases. "The kidneys will react by trying to retain as much water as possible, which means they will concentrate the urine and work harder to maintain balance," says Jen Hernandez, a specialist in plant-based kidney care. If the kidneys cannot filter waste effectively, acute kidney failure (AKI) can occur and sometimes lead to long-term damage.

Although anyone can suffer kidney damage from dehydration, "the risk of acute kidney failure due to dehydration is higher in people who regularly take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)," according to Dr. Tim Pflederer at Evergreen Nephrology Hospital (USA).

Kidney stones can easily form.

Experts say that when urine becomes concentrated, minerals like calcium and oxalate easily crystallize and form hard compounds ranging in size from the size of grains of sand to the size of pebbles. People with a personal or family history of kidney stones are advised to drink plenty of water, at least 2.5 liters per day, to prevent stone formation.

If you're tired of drinking plain water, try adding some fresh fruit or herbs; eat more fresh fruit or drink pure fruit juice; and eat more broth or soup.

Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Women and older adults are at a higher risk of developing UTIs. Experts explain that when urine volume decreases due to dehydration, bacteria have more time to adhere to the lining of the urinary tract and multiply, leading to infection.

Most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics, but frequent infections can increase the risk of future kidney complications. “What many people don’t realize is that chronic, recurring urinary tract infections can cause inflammation and scarring in the kidneys, which over time can contribute to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.”

LE THU (According to Eating Well)

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/dieu-gi-xay-ra-khi-than-mat-nuoc-keo-dai-a205160.html