The main function of kidneys is to remove waste and excess fluid from your body. Therefore, maintaining good kidney health is considered as the foundation of good health and overall well-being. Your kidneys are also responsible for maintaining a healthy balance between water, salt and other minerals like sodium, calcium, phosphorus, among others, in the blodd.
Did you know that your hydration habits before bedtime have a bearing on the healthy functioning of kidneys? Moneycontrol team spoke to Dr Anupam Roy, Additional Director, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, to understand what are some the nighttime habits one can swear by to keep kidneys healthy. "Maintaining good hydration doesn't stop at the end of the day. There are three important ways that your habits at night can also play an important role in compromising kidney health," he said.
1. Do not go to bed dehydrated
Many people limit how much fluid they take in for the last part of their day so they won't wake up to use the bathroom during the night. This can increase urine concentration, which can stress the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney stone formation. By having a small amount of fluid (approx. half a cup to 1 cup per night) before bed, you can maintain your hydration before going to sleep, Dr Roy suggested.
2. Do not drink excess amount of fluids late in the evening
Dr Roy told Moneycontrol that it's extremely important to remain hydrated; however, drinking excessive amounts (more than 1/4 to 1/2 cup) of fluid may disturb your ability to sleep. Poor sleep patterns can negatively affect health (including kidney health), and sleep quality also plays an indirect role in overall health.
3. Stay hydrated all day long
Good hydration habits during the day will also help improve your hydration status at night. "If you take in adequate amounts of fluid each day, at a steady pace, you are less likely to need to “catch up” on your hydration overnight," Dr Roy said.
4. Avoid eating high-water-content foods at night
Foods that are made with high amounts of water (e.g., watermelon, soups) are considered to be included in your fluid intake, Dr Roy highlighted. Individuals who are on dialysis or have medical conditions that require limited fluid intake should be especially careful about how much of these types of foods they eat prior to bedtime.
5. Reduce intake of caffeine and sugary drinks at night
Many beverages contain caffeine and sugar. Diuretic properties such as those found in tea and coffee may cause problems with sleep. And a lack of sleep combined with dehydration can put a strain on your kidneys, Dr Roy emphasised.
6. Balanced electrolyte levels in your body
Dr Roy also mentioned that water (without any added flavors) is important for hydration; however, it is equally important for the electrolyte levels in your body to be balanced. For people with chronic illness or who are at risk of deficiency, drinking fluids without any electrolytes or eating food that contains none can dilute their sodium levels; therefore, increasing their risk.
7. Special considerations for those with kidney disease
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or patients on dialysis must adhere closely to their prescribed fluid restrictions each day. A little extra intake before bed (even an ounce or more) may result in excessive swelling, shortness of breath, or an increased workload before the next dialysis treatment, Dr Roy warned.
Source: Moneycontrol
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