We are more likely to become dehydrated when we feel hot or extremely dehydrated, drink limited amounts of water, or lose more fluids than usual. Hot or dry environments, such as rooms with central heating, increase fluid requirements. We can lose large amounts of fluid through sweating (exercise or hot weather) or through vomiting and diarrhea.

Urine color is a clear indicator that we are getting enough fluids. We should note light or pale colored urine, but anything darker than this indicates dehydration.

Dehydration, especially chronic dehydration, can cause significant loss of minerals in the urine. This can lead to the formation of crystals, which can affect kidney function and lead to certain kidney diseases such as kidney stones.

According to research, drinking clean water has a protective effect on kidney function.

Kidneys and healthy hydration

Kidneys and healthy hydration

Because your body naturally maintains healthy hydration

Your kidneys help your body retain water when you need it.

Kidneys make urine, so the body cannot retain water.

When your body needs more water, your kidneys and brain feel thirsty. This way, you’ll know you’re drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

More than half of your body is made up of water. Every organ in the body needs water to function properly. This includes the kidneys.

Water helps the kidneys remove waste from the blood in the form of urine.

Water helps open blood vessels. The blood can then carry nutrients to the kidneys through the blood vessels.

If your body is weak, blood and nutrients cannot reach your kidneys. This can occur during periods of severe drought.

Severe dehydration can damage the kidneys. It is therefore important to drink enough water during exercise or training, especially in hot and humid weather.

Kidney stones and urinary tract infections can damage your kidneys, but drinking more fluids can help.

When there is enough water, kidney stones are less likely to form and crystallize into stones.Water helps flush out medications used to treat urinary tract infections so they work better.

Water can help you urinate more often to flush out bacteria that can harm your kidneys.

How much should we drink?

The NHS recommends eight 200ml glasses for women and 10 200ml glasses for men This is supported by European recommendations.

Researchers say drinking more water helps the kidneys remove sodium, urea and waste from the body, reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Everyone is different and the right amount of fluid depends on many factors. These may include the amount and type of exercise, weather conditions, and health-related factors such as pregnancy or breastfeeding. Some people with kidney disease, especially those who have kidney failure and are receiving treatment such as dialysis, need to monitor their fluid intake carefully.

If you have kidney disease, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes.

How much water is needed for healthy kidneys?

The amount of water needed for optimal kidney health can vary based on individual factors such as age, weight, activity level, climate, and overall health. However, general guidelines recommended by healthcare professionals call for most adults to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. This dosage may need to be adjusted based on exercise, environmental conditions (such as temperature and humidity), and some medical conditions.

Factors Affecting Water Demand

There are many factors that affect a person’s water needs and the amount of water needed for kidney health.

Exercise: Increased physical activity can lead to dehydration through sweating, which requires more water to stay hydrated and support kidney function.

Climate: Hot and humid climates increase water loss through sweat, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and support kidney health.

Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, urinary tract infections and digestive problems, can affect fluid balance and increase the body’s need for water.

Medications: Some medications, such as diuretics (water pills), can increase urine production and increase fluid loss, which is important for regulating fluid intake and supporting kidney function.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

Consider the following tips to stay hydrated and support good kidney health.

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water to maintain kidney function, but drink water throughout the day.

Light yellow or straw-colored urine is a sign of dehydration, while dark yellow or amber urine may indicate dehydration, so pay attention to the color of your urine.

Reference

https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/role-of-hydration-maintaining-kidney-health-vital-function#:~:text=Adequate%20hydration%20helps%20maintain%20kidney,and%20maintaining%20overall%20kidney%20health.

https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/kidney-health-information/living-with-kidney-disease/how-can-i-help-myself/hydration-for-kidney-health/

https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/healthy-hydration-and-your-kidneys

The Role of Hydration in Maintaining Kidney Health

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/water-and-kidney-health-how-much-is-necessary/articleshow/109901037.cms

https://www.summacare.com/blog/entries/2023/03/hydration-the-first-step-to-better-kidney-health

https://www.jaypeehealthcare.com/blog/importance-hydration-kidney-health-tips-staying-hydrated

https://skumawater.com/blogs/articles/kidney-hydration

https://remedyhealthclinic.online/the-role-of-hydration-in-maintaining-kidney-health/

Why is Drinking Water Important for Renal and Urinary Health?

Why Staying Hydrated Is Important for Kidney Health