Summer can bring a lot of changes to how your body feels. Heat, humidity, travel, outdoor activities, and changes in routine can all leave you feeling tired, swollen, thirsty, or just “off.” For patients with chronic kidney disease, those symptoms can understandably raise a bigger question: is this just the heat, or is my kidney disease getting worse?
According to Ella, ANC’s PA and Dietician, the first thing to remember is that most people with kidney disease do not feel many symptoms day to day. “Just kidney disease at baseline, normally you’re not going to feel a whole heck of a lot,” she explained. More noticeable symptoms are usually associated with very advanced kidney disease, especially when someone is nearing the need for dialysis.
That said, summer can create conditions that make patients feel different. When it is hot, we sweat more, spend more time outside, and may be more likely to get dehydrated, especially with exercise, alcohol, travel, or certain medications like diuretics, also known as water pills.
Dehydration can affect how you feel and how your kidneys function. When the body is dehydrated, the kidneys may not receive adequate blood flow. A single moment of thirst does not mean your kidneys are being damaged, but Ella noted that repeated or severe dehydration can cause kidney injury, especially depending on a patient’s medications or health conditions.
One of the simplest ways to monitor hydration is by urine color. Ideally, urine should be light yellow. Dark yellow urine often signals that you may need more fluids. If your urine looks very dark, like soda or Coca-Cola, that can be more concerning and may warrant medical attention, especially if it is not normal for you or comes with other symptoms.
Swelling is another symptom patients often worry about in the summer. While swelling can be related to kidney issues, heat itself can also cause swelling in the legs. As Ella explained, this can happen to anyone, with or without kidney disease, because tissues expand in the heat and fluid may shift. If swelling becomes significant, persistent, or unusual for you, it is still worth discussing with your provider, especially if you are also managing blood pressure, fluid balance, or medications.
Hydration is important, but it is not one-size-fits-all. For many people, around 64 ounces of fluid a day can be a reasonable goal, but there is nothing “magical” about that number. Some people may need more, especially those with kidney stones or polycystic kidney disease, while others may have different fluid goals based on their care plan. The best guidance is always the one tailored to your condition.
It is also important to be thoughtful about what counts as hydration. Energy drinks should not be treated as a water substitute. Many are high in caffeine, which can have a diuretic effect, and the added stimulants may be strenuous for patients with heart disease. Electrolyte drinks like Liquid I.V., Gatorade, or similar products can have a time and place, especially after heavy sweating or intense activity, but they often contain sodium and should not be used as an everyday water replacement unless recommended by your provider.
If plain water is not your thing, there are still practical ways to stay hydrated. Keep fluids nearby during meals, use a larger glass when taking medications, add flavor packets like Crystal Light, or choose hydrating foods like watermelon or popsicles when appropriate for your diet. Most importantly, listen to your body without jumping to conclusions. Feeling off for a day in the summer may be related to heat, hydration, or routine changes. But if symptoms are severe, persistent, or out of the ordinary — especially very dark urine, significant weakness, worsening swelling, pain, or feeling seriously unwell — reach out to your care team.
When in doubt, ask. Summer should be a time to enjoy the outdoors, but staying ahead of hydration, heat exposure, and your personal care plan can help protect your kidneys while helping you feel your best.
