Winter Warning: Is the Cold Damaging Your Kidneys? Expert Weighs In

You must have heard how the cold weather is not good for your heart health. There is also a spike in heart attack cases in winter. But what if we tell you that another organ is also often at risk during winter? We are talking about kidneys. Yes, this organ too gets affected by the cold weather. Wondering why and how? This article will answer all these for you.

To get a better understanding of this topic, we reached out to Dr Pooja Pillai, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. Read ahead.

Can Cold Weather Affect The Kidneys?

Let us dive straightaway into the main point – is cold weather harmful for your kidneys or not? “Yes, cold weather can affect the kidneys, but mostly in indirect ways. In cold weather, the body sweats less, so people may feel less thirsty and drink less water. This can lead to dehydration, which makes the kidneys work harder to filter waste from the blood,” explains Dr Pillai.

She adds, “Cold temperatures also cause blood vessels to narrow, which can increase blood pressure and put extra strain on the kidneys over time. People tend to urinate more in cold weather because the body pushes extra fluid to the kidneys, which can also affect fluid balance. Those with existing kidney problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure need to be more careful in winter. Drinking enough water and staying warm helps protect kidney health.”

What Are The Common Kidney Problems In Winter?

A few months back, one study stated that India had the second-highest number of people with chronic kidney disease in 2023 at 138 million. This was published in a global study published at The Lancet Journal. This makes it even more important to grow awareness around kidney diseases. During the winter season, some kidney problems can become more common due to changes in weather and daily habits.

Shedding more light on this, Dr Pillai shares, “Dehydration is very common in winter because people feel less thirsty and drink less water, which can strain the kidneys.”

The expert continues, “Urinary tract infections may increase because people hold urine for longer and drink fewer fluids. Kidney stones can also form more easily when urine becomes concentrated due to low water intake. Cold weather can raise blood pressure, which affects kidney function over time. People with existing kidney disease may notice worsening symptoms in winter. Reduced physical activity and unhealthy eating during winter can also impact kidney health. Staying hydrated, urinating regularly, eating balanced meals, and keeping the body warm can help prevent these problems.”

Also Read: Kidney Stones More Common Than Ever Due to Modern Lifestyles; Expert Shares 3 Sure-Shot Hacks

Why Is Winter A Critical Season for Kidney Health?

Winter is a critical season for kidney health. But what is the reason behind this? “This is because the body behaves differently in cold weather. People often drink less water in winter as they feel less thirsty, which can lead to dehydration and make the kidneys work harder. Cold weather causes blood vessels to tighten, which can increase blood pressure and put stress on the kidneys. The body also produces more urine in winter, which can disturb fluid balance,” explains Dr Pillai.

She adds, “Infections like urinary tract infections may increase due to poor hydration and holding urine for long hours. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or existing kidney disease are at higher risk during winter. Less physical activity and unhealthy food choices can also affect kidney function. Proper hydration, warmth, and regular checkups are important to protect kidneys in winter.”

Dr Pillai adds that there is no sudden spike in kidney failure only because of winter, but the risk of kidney problems can increase during this season.

Tips To Protect Your Kidneys In Winter

On this note, Dr Pillai shares some simple tips to protect your kidneys during the cold season:

• Drink enough water every day even if you do not feel thirsty, as dehydration can strain the kidneys.
• Keep your body warm by wearing proper winter clothing to maintain good blood circulation.
• Avoid holding urine for long hours, as this can increase the risk of infections.
• Eat a balanced diet with less salt to help control blood pressure.
• Stay physically active with light exercises or walking to support kidney function.
• Monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar regularly, especially if you have existing health conditions.
• Avoid excess painkillers, as they can harm the kidneys.
• Get timely medical checkups and seek help if you notice changes in urination.

Also Read: Is Your Hair Loss a Warning Sign From Your Kidneys? Find Out Here

The Final Word

Cold weather can affect the kidneys, but mostly in indirect ways. In cold weather, the body sweats less, so people may feel less thirsty and drink less water. This can lead to dehydration, which makes the kidneys work harder to filter waste from the blood. Follow some simple hacks such as drinking enough water and keeping your body warm, to protect your kidneys, especially in winter.