4 ways to prevent dehydration and urinary tract diseases in hot weather

Providing enough water for the body in the summer helps prevent dehydration, concentrated urine causing bladder and urinary tract infections.

The urinary system plays an important role in maintaining the body's homeostasis by filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood. However, when the body becomes dehydrated, this balance can be disrupted, leading to a variety of urinary problems.

Maude Carmel, MD, associate professor of urology at the University of California, San Diego, says summertime temperatures can increase your risk of dehydration. A dehydrated body may not produce enough urine to flush bacteria from the urinary tract, causing concentrated urine that can lead to bladder infections, kidney stones, and increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). These common infections are marked by a burning or painful sensation when urinating, increased frequency, urgency, and blood in the urine.

[Caption]. Photo: Freepik — Dehydration is one of the causes of urinary tract infections on hot summer days. Photo: *Freepik*

Therefore, people need to provide enough water for the body to ensure the urinary system functions normally, avoiding these potential complications. To prevent and control dehydration, the following measures should be noted:

Drink plenty of water

Drinking enough water is the best way to prevent dehydration. The amount of water you should drink each day depends on factors such as your weight, age, general health, and activity level. But on average, everyone should drink between 2 and 2.5 liters of water a day.

Limit caffeine and alcohol

Drinks containing alcohol, caffeine and sugar can act as diuretics in the body and promote dehydration. Therefore, you should limit your consumption of these drinks, especially on hot summer days. Or after drinking, you should replenish your body with water.

Eat water-rich foods

Fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, tomato... have high water content, helping to prevent dehydration. Therefore, you should add these foods to your meals. Fruit juices are also good for the skin and figure of most women.

Electrolyte replacement

In cases of severe dehydration, electrolyte drinks can help replace lost electrolytes. You should consult your doctor to use the appropriate dosage to control your body's dehydration.

In addition to urinary tract infections, dehydration also causes some harmful effects such as:

Kidney stones: Dehydration concentrates urine, leading to the buildup of unwanted substances and minerals in the body and the formation of kidney stones. These stones cause significant pain and damage to the urinary tract.

Kidney failure: The kidneys are affected when the body is dehydrated. In severe cases, untreated dehydration can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys.

Bladder problems: When the body is dehydrated, urine becomes concentrated, causing irritation and inflammation of the bladder. This irritation leads to a variety of symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and pain when urinating. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps prevent bladder problems by keeping urine dilute and reducing bladder irritation.

Prostate problems: Dehydration reduces urine output, leading to prostate problems. The prostate can enlarge and cause problems with urine flow.

Erectile dysfunction: When the body is dehydrated, it may not produce enough blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.

Painful periods: The side effects of dehydration can also be felt during menstruation, causing complications such as: irregular periods, headaches or mood swings (irritability and anxiety).

If you experience symptoms of pain when urinating, burning urination, blood in urine..., you need to see a doctor soon to find out the cause and receive timely treatment.

Nhu Y ( According to UT South Western, USW )

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