Who has recovered from the holidays? I’m still taking down Santas and snowmen decorations in between relaxing tea breaks. And I’m noticing my body is still in recovery mode from sugar shock!
I don’t know how your friends and family shared the joys of the holidays with you, but a lot of mine think because I’m in my senior years I have everything I need for day-to-day living. This translates into receiving gifts mostly made up of sugar! I now have enough boxes of chocolates, cookies, cakes, etc., to cater an eventual lively (I trust!) Irish Wake.
A few days after the holidays I noticed some pain in one of my kidneys. So, I decided to check with my “Internet” doctors. As expected, I found a sea of information. Our body relies on the kidneys to filter out excess waste products from the blood, maintain fluid balance, regulate electrolytes, produce hormones that influence blood pressure, red blood cell production, and much more. When our kidneys suffer a loss of function from inherited, dietary, infectious or other causes, pain can come on quickly and may be prompted by our diet and environment.
First, what about all that holiday sugar and how does it affect the kidneys?
Sugar is not a problem for the kidneys unless blood sugar levels get too high. This usually occurs in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Once the blood sugar levels rise high enough, the kidneys start to spill sugar into the urine. If your kidneys are normal, this usually isn’t a problem, but if you have diabetes, too much sugar can cause kidney damage.
Sugar contributes to obesity and obesity can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, the two leading causes of kidney disease. Follow a kidney-friendly diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid processed foods high in salt and sugar. Those of us who love hot toddies should avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine. These substances can dehydrate you, impacting kidney function and overall health.
Secondly, cold weather can impact kidney function. It can worsen conditions in those with existing kidney issues or even increase the risk of developing kidney problems. The weather here in the northeast hasn’t gotten above freezing since before Thanksgiving. In extreme cold, hypothermia can be a risk. Hypothermia can impair kidney function by reducing blood flow to the organs. The risk of reduced kidney function due to hypothermia is higher for the elderly, children, or those with existing kidney disease. It’s a good idea to layer clothing and avoid prolonged exposure to cold. It is also important to get regular exercise. Physical activity helps maintain circulation, regulates blood pressure, and promotes overall kidney health. Even light exercise can be beneficial in winter.
There is beauty to be found in this cold, cold season that we must not ignore. I’ve been dog sitting. Going out for a doggy pee comes at all hours of the day or night. In the evening, doggy and I don our winter gear and head out. While waiting for the dog’s eager return, I look up into the sky filled with stars and planets shining so brightly in their nightly journey. This time of the year I can see Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn. And the waxing moon is so close to the Pleiades star cluster (the Seven Sisters) that even I can clearly make it out. With our mission completed and a touch of God’s heaven enjoyed, doggy and I head back into a house warm and cozy for the rest of the night.
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Lani Kelly is a research writer for Youthful Aging Home Health Dare.
Reference: Keeping warm and well in cold weather: a guide for kidney patients | Kidney Care UK
