German experts warn: Climate change may affect kidney health

German researchers have warned of the potential impact of climate change on human health, especially kidney health. How does climate change affect human kidneys, and what are the ways to prevent disease?

On its website, the German Robert Koch Institute warns of climate change and the great threat it poses to human health. For its part, the German Society of Nephrology presented a recent report, revealing the extent to which climate change affects kidney health, according to a report in Deutsche Welle , which was quoted by the medical website (Heilpraxis).

The damages of climate change have become noticeable all over the world, the latest of which is the record temperatures recorded in the summer of 2022, as high temperatures significantly increase the body's need for fluids and one may not feel that.

And two studies, whose results were published on the German medical website (Heilpraxis), linked high temperatures and acute kidney disease.

Kidney stones symptoms infographic

This group is most at risk

The elderly are especially vulnerable to diseases related to high temperatures, because the feeling of thirst decreases with age, and therefore one does not notice the need for fluids or may notice it late. On the other hand also, kidney function declines with age.

Therefore, doctors advise elderly people or those who suffer from kidney disease or diabetes to make sure to drink enough fluids on a daily basis. It is advised that this amount should not be less than 2 to 2.5 liters per day, especially in the summer.

A study published in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism showed that chronic kidney disease is related to increased heat waves, as the global increase in chronic kidney disease cases will affect countries such as Germany with an aging population, with periods of high temperature. Negatively on the health of the kidneys, and thus on the mortality rate in general.

Awareness is necessary at this time

Fine dust pollution is also dangerous to health, according to the German Society of Nephrology. Increasing exposure to this polluted fine dust also has direct effects on various organs, including the kidneys. Polluted fine dust particles may also cause cardiovascular disease, which in turn promotes kidney disease in humans.

Due to climate change and the increasing environmental pollution in our time, doctors and researchers stress the importance of “prevention as well as educating people about the consequences and damages of climate change to their health and how to face them in the best possible way,” explains Prof. Dr. Jens Lutz, President of the 14th Annual Meeting of the German Society of Nephrology.

Kidney disease prevention

In previous statements , Dr. Hassan Al-Malki, Head of the Kidney Department at Hamad Medical Corporation, advised several things to reduce the risk of kidney disease, including:

-Maintain activity and fitness.

-Keep body weight within the correct normal limits.

-Eat a healthy diet.

-Regular measurement of blood sugar, as half of diabetic patients develop kidney disease and disease, but this can be prevented or reduced if blood sugar levels are kept under control.

-Regularly measure blood pressure and keep blood pressure levels under control, given that high blood pressure leads to kidney damage and disease.

-Ensure that you drink adequate amounts of fluids equivalent to 8 cups or about two liters of them per day, or more on summer days, or if you work in open areas.

-Refrain from smoking, as tobacco smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys, and when the level of blood flow to the kidneys decreases, this limits their ability to perform their functions normally.

-Not taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and pain relievers such as ibuprofen, which can harm the kidneys if taken regularly.

-Kidney function tests, especially if you have a high risk of kidney disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity or being overweight, or a family history of kidney disease.