Festival season: how to celebrate while making your kidneys happy
Festival season is upon us. Whether you’re hitting up a music festival, a food festival or a cultural festival, there’s nothing quite like the energy and excitement of a good party.
But, as we all know, festival season can also be hard on our bodies (especially our kidneys).
In this blog post, we’ll explore tips and tricks for celebrating festival season while keeping your kidneys happy and healthy.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
The most important thing you can do to keep your kidneys happy is to stay hydrated. When you’re out and about, dancing and having a good time, it’s easy to forget to drink water. But it’s crucial that you make a conscious effort to drink water throughout the day to keep your kidneys functioning properly.
A few helpful tips:
•Set reminders on your phone to drink water every hour.
•Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it often. Keep it close, even when dancing or standing in line.
•Try to drink at least 8 ounces of water before any alcoholic drinks.
•Add some flavor to your water with a slice of lemon or lime to make it more enjoyable to drink.
•Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks that dehydrate you.
• Watch your alcohol intake While it’s okay to indulge in a drink or two, it’s important to keep your alcohol intake in check to avoid overloading your kidneys. Alcohol is a diuretic; it can dehydrate you and make it harder for your kidneys to filter out toxins.
A few helpful tips:
•Set a limit for yourself before you head out to the festival.
•Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to keep yourself hydrated.
•Avoid shots or mixed drinks that are high in sugar.
•Use a smaller glass or cup for alcoholic drinks (it will help you drink less).
•Drink slowly, savoring each sip and taking your time to enjoy it.
Eat a balanced diet
Festival season is all about indulging in delicious food, but it’s important to make sure you’re eating a balanced diet to keep your kidneys happy. Eating too much processed or sugary food can put a strain on your kidneys.
Some helpful tips:
•Look for healthy options like fruits, veggies and lean proteins.
•Share dishes with friends to keep your portion sizes in check.
•Try to avoid foods that are high in sodium or sugar.
•Pack some healthy snacks to munch on throughout the day, such as trail mix or granola bars.
•Take advantage of the variety of food options at the festival and try new things.
Take breaks
Festival season can be nonstop fun and full of excitement. It’s important, though, to take breaks throughout the day to give your kidneys a chance to rest.
A few tips:
•Plan your day ahead, so you can schedule in time for breaks.
•Find a quiet spot to sit and relax, away from the crowds.
•Take a short walk to get some fresh air and stretch your legs.
•Hydrate and eat a snack.
•Reconnect with friends and family.
Listen to your body
While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and push yourself too hard, it’s important to listen to your body and take care of yourself. If you feel tired, dehydrated or just not well, take a break and take care of yourself.
Helpful tips:
•Pay attention to your body’s signals, such as fatigue, headache or discomfort.
•Take a break if you feel overwhelmed by the crowds or the noise.
•If you’re feeling unwell, seek medical attention if necessary.
•Keep an eye on your hydration and nutrition levels.
•Don’t be afraid to head back to your accommodation and take a nap if you need to. *
Protect yourself from the sun
Spending long hours outdoors in the sun can be tough on your kidneys. Exposure to UV rays can cause dehydration and heat stress, which can put a strain on your kidneys. It’s essential to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the sun to keep your kidneys healthy.
•A few helpful tips:
•Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
•Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
•Avoid being in the sun during the hottest part of the day, usually from 12 pm. to 4 p.m.
•Stay in the shade when possible.
As mentioned earlier, keep a water bottle with you and drink water regularly to stay hydrated.
How to handle unexpected kidney-related emergencies
While you may take all the necessary precautions, kidney-related emergencies can still happen unexpectedly. It’s essential to be prepared and know how to handle such situations to keep your kidneys healthy.
Some helpful tips:
•Keep a list of emergency contact numbers and medical information with you.
•Know the location of the nearest medical facility or hospital.
•Be aware of the signs and symptoms of a kidney-related emergency, such as abdominal pain, blood in urine and swelling.
•Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Final thoughts
While festival season is a time to let loose and have a good time, it’s also important to take care of our bodies, especially our kidneys. With the tips and strategies provided here, you can enjoy the festival season while keeping your kidneys happy and healthy.
To find a health care provider, visit www. Everythingittakes.org.
This information is sponsored by UT Health San Antonio, the region’s academic health center, offering primary and specialty care through more than 1400 providers. More at Everythingittakes.org.