"More trouble in summer" If your kidneys are not good... Don't eat "these fruits"

Patients with chronic kidney disease affected by chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia should be cautious during the summer. Because sweating from the heat can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in the body, there is a risk of acute kidney dysfunction.

Be cautious with fruits and vegetables high in potassium content

During summer, seasonal fruits and vegetables are abundant, but patients with chronic kidney disease should be cautious of high-potassium varieties. This is because patients with stage 3 or higher chronic kidney disease, where kidney function is more than half impaired, have a reduced ability to excrete potassium through urine. Potassium that cannot be expelled from the body accumulates in the bloodstream and can cause life-threatening arrhythmias.

Therefore, among fruits, caution should be exercised with bananas, chamoe (Korean melon), tomatoes, kiwis, and persimmons. Instead, it is better to consume grapes or apples. Regarding vegetables, avoid sweet potatoes and green vegetables, and prefer colorful vegetables such as eggplant, carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts.

However, vegetables can be soaked in warm water for about 2 hours, then rinsed with water or blanched before eating.

△Drink water in small amounts gradually.

Patients with chronic kidney disease should be cautious of dehydration symptoms caused by excessive sweating during the summer heat, but conversely, drinking a large amount of water all at once when feeling hot or thirsty is also dangerous. This is because their ability to regulate electrolytes such as fluids and sodium is impaired, and suddenly drinking a lot of water can cause hyponatremia. Especially for those undergoing dialysis treatment, since they can hardly excrete water through urine, severe cases may lead to pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation causing swelling in the lungs).

Dr. Son Min-jeong, Head of the Nephrology Department at Seoul South-West Hospital, said, "During the summer, it is better for these patients to drink small amounts of water gradually rather than ion drinks high in potassium and sodium," and added, "The foundation of chronic kidney disease treatment is regular medical check-ups and managing high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol in daily life."