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How hydration is harming your kidneys ?

Drinking too much water dilutes the salt and other electrolytes that our bodies require.

By Julie Jerlin JPublished about a year ago 4 min read
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Whenever you feel sick, doctors recommend drinking a lot of water. How much is the real question? You may not be aware that drinking a lot of water is also dangerous. Read this article to know the facts about hydration and overhydration.

The kidneys are a set of organs with the major responsibility for removing waste products from the body and getting rid of excess water to maintain a healthy balance between water and minerals. Learn how to drink water without harming your kidneys!

What are the advantages of drinking water?

Water is essential for life. It makes up about 60% of our bodies and is necessary for all the body’s functions. Every cell, tissue, and organ in the body needs water to work properly. For example, water:

• Lubricates and cushions joints

• Protects organs and tissues

• Carries nutrients and oxygen to cells

• Removes wastes from the body

• Improve skin health

• Helps for weight loss

Not only is water necessary for our bodies to function, but it has many other benefits as well. Here are a few advantages of drinking water:

1) Drinking plenty of water can help prevent kidney stones from forming. Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that can form in your kidneys when there is not enough fluid in your urine to dilute waste substances. Drinking lots of water helps flush out these waste substances before they can crystallize and form stones.

2) Adequate hydration is also important for proper kidney function. Your kidneys filter blood and remove toxins from your body, but they need enough fluid to do their job effectively. When you don’t drink enough water, your kidneys have to work harder to filter the same amount of blood, which can lead to kidney damage over time.

3) Water also helps keep your bowels regular. When you’re dehydrated, your stool can become hard and difficult to pass. This can lead to constipation and an increased risk of haemorrhoids (swollen veins in the rectum

How much water should we drink?

It is important to drink plenty of water each day, but how much water is too much? Drinking too much water can lead to water intoxication, which can be harmful to your kidneys.

The amount of water you should drink depends on your age, gender, weight, activity level, and the climate you live in. The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. However, if you are living in a hot climate, you may need to drink more than this.

A daily water intake of 2.7 litres for women and 3.7 litres for men is recommended, but this also depends on the body's needs. Your kidney can excrete 800-1000ml per hour. Water intake includes fluids through fruits, vegetables and other beverages too. Recommendations for water intake are not just plain water.

When hydration is needed?

• 500 ml before every meal gives you a feeling of fullness and it helps to avoid overeating.

• 500 ml after every meal helps in digestion.

• Drinking a glass of water morning on empty stomach helps to prepare your body for the day and also excretes the waste properly.

• Drinking water during the day or whenever you feel thirsty keeps you hydrated.

What is overhydration?

Water intoxication occurs when you drink too much water too quickly. This can cause your body to produce too much urine, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Signs of water intoxication include nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop drinking water and seek medical help immediately.

To avoid water intoxication, drink small amounts of water throughout the day instead of large amounts all at once. Be sure to also stay hydrated by eating fruits and vegetables with high water content and drinking other fluids such as juices, sports drinks and beverages.

Drinking too much water dilutes the salt and other electrolytes that our bodies require. Water is needed for every cell in our body to function. You can’t start to drink too much water suddenly, but during sports events or if you are in intense training or addicted to exercise then you intake too much water which can cause disorientation and vomiting. Rarely it can cause swelling in the brain and become fatal.

The dangers of dehydration

Dehydration is a serious health concern that can lead to several problems, including kidney damage. When the body is dehydrated, it cannot function properly and organs like the kidneys begin to shut down. This can lead to kidney stones, infections, and even death.

It is important to drink plenty of water every day to stay hydrated, but it is also important to know the signs of dehydration. These include thirst, dark urine, fatigue, dizziness, and headache. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as dehydration can be life-threatening.

Is it safe to drink too much water?

There is no concrete answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, such as the person's age, health, and activity level. However, drinking too much water can lead to water intoxication, which can cause serious health problems. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of water intoxication and to drink water in moderation. There is a huge difference between hydration and overhydration.

Conclusion

It is important to live a healthy life but make sure your choice of health is right. You can do any type of diet like keto, paleo etc., but water is most vital in all these diets. Water plays a major role in converting your food to nutrients. Always ensure that the right amount of water is added along with your food. It's great that you're aware of the benefits of hydration, but be wary of the risks of overhydration.

We hope that this article has helped to show you how to drink water without harming your kidneys. By following the tips in this article, you can enjoy all the benefits of water without putting your kidneys at risk. Drink up and stay healthy! Drink when you feel thirsty. Always listen to your body.

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