Health guidance on kidney and menstrual hygiene

Health experts are addressing misconceptions regarding kidney health and menstrual hygiene during summer activities.

Regarding kidney function, experts warn that drinking water specifically before bed cannot prevent chronic kidney disease or repair existing damage. While hydration is essential for kidney function and preventing acute damage from dehydration, there is no evidence that drinking water before sleep offers unique protection. Additionally, claims that a mixture of water, baking soda, and salt can ‘detox’ or ‘cleanse’ the kidneys are unsupported by medical evidence. While sodium bicarbonate is used in specific medical cases to treat acidosis, it is not a general detox method.

In terms of menstrual hygiene during swimming, experts suggest that tampons are a practical option if managed carefully. It is recommended to insert a fresh, dry tampon before entering the water. Because tampons absorb both menstrual blood and water, they should be changed regularly. Citing the Cleveland Clinic, experts note that tampons should generally be changed every four to six hours and should not be left in for more than eight hours to mitigate risks.