When it comes to maintaining good health, kidneys play a critical role. These work by filtering waste, regulating fluid levels, and balancing electrolytes in the human body. Despite their importance, many people completely overlook the vital role that hydration plays in supporting proper kidney functioning.
There are numerous reasons why proper hydration is considered crucial for kidney health. In this blog, we are going to discuss those reasons in detail.
Also, read our blog post about How Does Your Body Tells That it Needs Water
Reasons Why Hydration is Necessary for Proper Kidney Functioning
Below, we have discussed some of the major reasons why strong
1. Dilution of Toxins & Waste Products:
Did you know that? Kidneys function to effectively filter blood to eliminate numerous waste products such as:
· Urea
· Creatinine
And many more.
When you drink an adequate amount of water, and your body becomes perfectly hydrated the aforementioned substances are diluted in the bloodstream. This then allows kidneys to process and excrete them more efficiently.
The dilution of substances ultimately reduces the overall workload on the kidneys, helping them to function optimally.
2. Prevention of Kidney Stones:
By staying hydrated, people can also greatly lessen the risk of kidney stones, let us explain how. According to doctors, kidney stones are usually made due to the presence of substances calcium, uric acid, oxalate, etc. in the urine.
Consumption of maximum water greatly helps in diluting these substances, ultimately reducing the likelihood of crystallization. Various medical studies also show that, individuals who enough water and keep their bodies hydrated have a significantly low risk of developing kidney stones.
3. Reduced Risk of Acute Kidney Injuries:
Acute kidney injuries occur when the human body suddenly stops filtering waste from the blood. This is often due to low circulation of blood. Fortunately, hydration has the solution to this.
By consuming an adequate amount of water, you can give a boost to overall blood flow which then reduces the overall risk of severe kidney injuries.
How to Stay Perfectly Hydrated
There are strategies available that can be adopted to stay perfectly hydrated, below we have discussed those in complete detail.
1. Drink the Recommended Water On a Daily Basis
To keep your body hydrated, it is necessary to consume an adequate amount of water on a daily basis. Now the question is how much you should consume. The answer – it depends on your weight, age, and the environment in which you are living.
However, the general guidelines are at least 8 glasses of water in a single day. There is no need to drink this much at once; instead, you can drink a little with a proper break. Another tip is to set reminders on your phone, this way you will not unintentionally disturb the water intake even in a busy routine or schedule.
It is essential to note that, the quality of water you are drinking has a significant effect on the hydration process.
2. Start Eating Special Food
Don’t just solely rely on drinking adequate water regularly, instead, it is recommended to also start hydration-rich vegetables and fruits. There are numerous options that you can try, some of them are discussed below:
· Cucumbers
· Watermelon
· Oranges
· Strawberries
· Lettuce
And many more.
All these are considered excellent sources of hydration, especially in colder months. Apart from foods, you can also consume homemade smoothies and natural juices that will not only provide you with hydration opportunities but also essential nutrients for improving overall health.
3. Limit the Use of Caffeine & Alchohol
Feed this in your mind: Caffeinated beverages including coffee, some specific teas, and alcohol can lead to increased urination and ultimately dehydration. That’s why, it is recommended to stop the consumption of alcohol and other probiotic drinks to stay perfectly hydrated and healthy.
4. Monitor Your Urine
This factor indirectly contributes to keeping your body hydrated, Let us explain how. The urine color acts as a common indication for either hydration or dehydration.
If your urine color is slightly white or yellow, then this means you are hydrated. On the other hand, if the color is dark yellow or amber, your body is dehydrated due to a lack of fluids.
5. Hydrate Through Exercise
Finally, this is yet another way through which you can keep yourself hydrated. If you are usually involved in intense physical activities such as gym, soccer, etc. your body will lose more fluids than usual through sweat.
So, it is necessary to consume enough water before, during and also after the physical workout. In case your workout lasts more than an hour, then it is recommended to go for an energy drink instead of just plain water. Doing so will help regain the lost fluid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hydration?
Hydration is when your body contains enough fluid to effectively perform routine bodily functions. It ensures you stay active, fresh, and energized throughout the day.
Why is hydration considered essential for kidney health?
There are multiple reasons behind this; the first one is that hydration assists kidneys in efficiently filtering waste out of the body. Besides this, it also ensures good blood flow and reduces the overall risk of acute kidney injuries.
What are some indications that my body is not hydrated?
Many common signs can help you figure out that the body is not hydrated, some of them are:
· Dry mouth & lips
· Dark yellow or amber color urine
· Fatigue and dizziness
It is important to note that, dehydration can lead to severe health issues if not dealt on the right time.
Can drinking excessive water be harmful to the kidneys?
It is recommended to avoid the consumption of excessive amounts of water, as it can cause a special medical condition hyponatremia.
Wrapping Up
There is no doubt that staying perfect is crucial for several bodily functions including kidneys. It allows them to work on their full potential for improved well-being. In this article, we tried our best to shed some light on the importance of hydration.