The kidneys are responsible for a number of bodily functions, including but not limited to: filtering waste, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and producing hormones to regulate red blood cell production.
The body is made up of two-thirds water, which means keeping it hydrated is absolutely essential for maintaining the health of certain bodily functions like body temperature regulation, digestion, cell health and blood flow.
Moreover, simple, daily functions like breathing, sweating and urinating can lead to nearly five or more cups of water lost a day. Because of this, it’s important people regulate their fluid intake so they’re not subjecting themselves to chronic dehydration. Chronic dehydration is a serious issue that can lead to severe health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and kidney failure.
The kidneys act as a purification system, red blood cell regulator, vitamin D activator and fluid/electrolyte moderator. When your kidneys are deprived of water and other fluids, a higher concentration of waste is produced, which may increase your risk of certain kidney diseases like kidney stones.
Kidney stones are often the result of this “higher concentration of waste and other minerals.” They form when waste products in the blood cannot be filtered out by your kidneys, resulting in crystallized waste. These crystals can then build up and transform into stones, which may be painful for some people to pass through their urinary system.
To avoid this uncomfortable fate as much as possible, consider some of these tips:
- Drink lots of fluids (preferably water).
- Be cognizant of your salt intake (those with higher salt intakes may be more likely to develop kidney stones).
- Try not to over-do it by drinking too much water—that can be equally dangerous.
- Talk to your Affiliated Urologist physician about your genetics and likelihood of developing kidney stones.
Call us today to set-up an appointment and discuss other ways to maintain the health of your kidneys.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or click here for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
