Dehydration At Workplace: Can It Lead To Chronic Kidney Disease? – News18
Last Updated:
Dehydration might lead to mild symptoms such as tiredness and lightheadedness, however, frequent and chronic cases can result in severe health complications, including chronic kidney disease (CKD).
While acute dehydration is easily recognizable with symptoms like thirst, dizziness, and fatigue, chronic, low-grade dehydration, often overlooked in the workplace, can silently affect your kidneys over time
Water is crucial for general health, but dehydration is still a prevalent problem, particularly in the work environment. Most workers, especially those in physically active occupations or working in hot environments, usually tend to drink less water. Initially, dehydration might lead to mild symptoms such as tiredness and lightheadedness, however, frequent and chronic cases can result in severe health complications, including chronic kidney disease (CKD).
While acute dehydration is easily recognizable with symptoms like thirst, dizziness, and fatigue, chronic, low-grade dehydration, often overlooked in the workplace, can silently affect your kidneys over time. Dr Shiwaanee Gupta, MBBS MD, Internal Medicine, Lead clinician , HCL Healthcare shares all you need to know:
Understanding the Link: How Dehydration Affects Your Kidneys
When you are dehydrated, your kidneys, which filter waste and regulate blood pressure, electrolytes, and red blood cell production, have to work harder. This extra strain can lead to negative effects on their function such as:
• Increased Concentration of Waste Products: With less water, there is a greater concentration of waste products such as urea and creatinine in the blood. This concentrated filtrate can harm the sensitive structures within the kidneys
• Higher Risk of Kidney Stones: Dehydration is one of the leading risk factors for the development of kidney stones. Concentrated urine favors the crystallization and formation of stones by minerals such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, leading to pain and possible damage to the kidneys
• Decreased Blood Supply to the Kidneys: Dehydration may result in decreased blood volume, which subsequently decreases blood flow to the kidneys. This may rob the kidneys of oxygen and nutrients necessary for proper functioning
• Risk of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): AKI is an abrupt failure of kidney function which may be caused by severe dehydration. Although AKI is usually reversible, multiple occurrences may lead to the development of CKD in later life
Factors such as sedentary jobs, physically demanding occupations, busy timelines and inadequate break times, air conditioning often lead to chronic dehydration.
Taking Care of Your Kidneys: Staying Hydrated at Work
Fortunately, the prevention of dehydration and care for your kidneys is easy:
• Drink Water on a Regular Basis: It is important to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day, and more if you are physically active or working in a hot place
• Make Water Convenient: Keep a water bottle at your workstation or desk and refill it regularly
• Set Reminders: Set reminders on your phone to drink water during the day
• Listen to Your Body. Thirst is a sign that you’re already dehydrated. Therefore, don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink
• Choose Hydrating Foods: Consume fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumbers, and lettuce that have high water content into your diet
• Limit Sugary Drinks: Sugary drinks often lead to dehydration and contribute to other health problems
