As we emerge from a particularly cold spell of snowy weather and icy conditions, in some areas reminiscent of the Big Freeze of 2010, I briefly recalled the old advice about wrapping up warm, covering your back, and avoiding sitting on cold surfaces to “prevent catching a chill in your kidneys”.
While you can rest assured that sitting out in the cold isn’t likely to cause serious kidney damage, kidney health is indeed something we should always be mindful of, cold weather aside.
The kidneys are two fist-sized, bean-shaped organs located on either side of the middle of the back.
Though relatively small, they are mighty in their role within the body. Their primary function is to filter fluids to remove water, waste, and toxins, which are then excreted in urine.
In doing so, kidneys also help regulate blood pressure,…