Sunlight isn't inherently bad for kidney disease; it helps produce essential Vitamin D, but people with kidney issues need to be cautious due to increased sun sensitivity from medications and a higher risk of skin issues like skin cancer (especially transplant patients). Safe, short exposures (morning/late afternoon) with sun protection (hats, sunscreen) are key, while avoiding peak sun (noon-3 PM) is recommended, as excessive heat and UV can strain kidneys and trigger flares in autoimmune kidney conditions like lupus.
“Having advanced kidney disease or being on dialysis are associated with a higher risk of non-melanoma skin cancers, so you also need to avoid sunbathing and sunbeds and wear factor 50 suncream all year round if you are in these groups,” says Dr Hextall.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top culprits damaging kidneys most, as they harm the delicate filtering blood vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and failure; other major factors include smoking, obesity, dehydration, poor diet (high sugar/salt/red meat), certain medications (NSAIDs), lack of sleep, and genetic conditions. These factors create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, further damaging them.
Higher temperatures are associated with higher rates of hospital admissions for nephrolithiasis and acute kidney injury. Occupational heat stress is also a risk factor for kidney dysfunction in resource-poor settings.
More tips to manage CKD
Smoking can make kidney disease worse and interfere with medicine that lowers blood pressure. Limit how much alcohol you drink. Alcohol can increase your risk of high blood pressure. Keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg (or the target set by your doctor).
To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, manage blood pressure and sugar, limit over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs), and maintain a healthy weight to support overall kidney function.
Establishing a Consistent Hydration Routine. Start your day with a glass of water and space your intake evenly. Contrary to popular belief, drinking water at night is bad for kidneys unless it leads to frequent nighttime urination that disrupts sleep.
Acute kidney failure can be caused by factors like severe dehydration, infections, or blockages. The good news is that with the right treatment, it's often possible to reverse kidney disease in these cases. Your kidneys can return to normal function after the underlying issue is resolved.
12 of the Best Drinks for Kidney Health
Sleeping on Your Back: While sleeping on your back is not the best position for everyone, it is highly recommended for kidney patients. This position allows the body to maintain a natural alignment, placing less pressure on the kidneys.
Over-the-counter NSAIDS
They are not safe to use when you have kidney disease. Ibuprofen, such as Advil™ and Motrin™. Naproxen, such as Aleve™ and Naprosyn™. Aspirin for pain relief.
To support kidney health, focus on plant-based foods like berries, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, garlic, and leafy greens, plus fatty fish (salmon, tuna), egg whites, and whole grains like buckwheat, while limiting salt, processed foods, and high-potassium options like orange juice, opting for water as your primary drink. A kidney-friendly diet emphasizes fresh, whole foods to help reduce inflammation and manage kidney function.
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. But also heart disease and obesity can contribute to the damage that causes kidneys to fail. Urinary tract issues and inflammation in different parts of the kidney can also lead to long-term functional decline.
Here's a breakdown of the six most common supplements people with CKD may need to support kidney health.
All skin types need protection from UV rays. Even dark-skinned children can have painful sunburns. Apply sunscreens 30 minutes before going out into the sun to give it time to work.
What can I do to keep my kidneys healthy?
To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, manage blood pressure and sugar, limit over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs), and maintain a healthy weight to support overall kidney function.
Thankfully, many of the breakfast favorites like fruits, whole grain cereals (without added sugars), and oatmeal tend to be higher in fiber and other nutrients, so people who eat these types of food for breakfast are in a good spot to meet their daily nutritional goals.
Interestingly, treatment with APCV apparently enhanced the ability of the kidney to prevent creatinine accumulation in the blood by lowering the upsurge by 20.51%. This probably indicates that APCV protected rat kidneys against the damaging effects of CCl4.
Other ways to boost your kidney health are to: Avoid processed foods, which are high in salt. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Exercise routinely.
Vulnerable Kidneys Can't Repair
Kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood. However, unlike some other organs, damaged kidney cells have an extremely limited ability to regenerate or repair themselves.
In the general population, approximately 38% of adults aged 70 or older have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, with most having moderate reductions in eGFR in the 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 range (1).
Certain medications, such as diuretics (water pills) and heart or diabetes medications, can also be the culprit. If you're experiencing nocturia: Stop drinking liquids two or three hours before bedtime. This includes alcohol and beverages with caffeine.
Dehydration reduces blood flow to your kidneys and can actually significantly damage them. Smoking is a bad habit that we know you can quit. Your body will thank you week after week, and you will keep it away from many dangers. Excessive alcohol consumption can severely damage your kidneys.
There is growing evidence that changes in sleep duration and time of sleep onset may have detrimental effects on renal function. Short sleep duration and shift work are associated with risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.