The benefits of water for your health are undeniable. The body consists of 60% water, so if your body is dehydrated, various bodily functions, including kidney function, can be disrupted. What are the benefits of water for kidney health? Check out the following review:
Benefits of Water for Kidney Health
Water is the best source of hydration for your body, especially your kidneys. It is a naturally occurring liquid that is easy to obtain, and it contains no calories, sugar, or preservatives. So, is drinking water beneficial for the kidneys? The answer is yes. Here are the benefits of water for kidney health:
Prevents the Formation of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard, solid deposits that form in the kidneys. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, kidney stones are believed to form due to insufficient water content in the urine. Additionally, excess minerals such as calcium crystals or uric acid in the urine can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
Kidney stones can form along the urinary tract, starting from the kidneys, passing through the ureters, and reaching the bladder and urethra. A lack of water in the body is thought to cause minerals to become insoluble in the urine, eventually crystallizing into kidney stones.
To prevent kidney stones, it is recommended to consume at least 6-8 glasses of water per day, or more depending on your body's needs and activity level. Adequate fluid intake helps dissolve minerals in the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation.
Also read: Benefits of Drinking Water for Children
Maintains Kidney Function
Several studies show that drinking enough water regularly is a healthy habit that supports kidney function. Water helps remove metabolic waste products from the body and reduces the risk of kidney-related disorders, such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections. If the kidneys are unable to filter metabolic waste properly, waste and excess fluid can accumulate in the body.
To maintain good kidney health, it is important to drink sufficient water and limit sugary or processed beverages.
Tips to Maintain Kidney Health
Drinking enough water helps remove excess sodium and toxins from the kidneys. Proper hydration also reduces the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Along with adequate water intake, adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for maintaining kidney health.
Here are some ways to support kidney health:
Live an Active Lifestyle
Your waist circumference and body weight significantly affect your health. The larger your waist circumference and weight, the higher your risk for diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney problems.
To address this, you should adopt a healthy lifestyle by engaging in physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week to maintain your weight and overall health. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease and lower blood pressure.
Maintain Blood Sugar Levels
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney damage. Excessive blood sugar in the bloodstream increases the workload of the kidneys, making it harder for them to filter blood effectively. By controlling your blood sugar levels, you can reduce the risk of kidney damage.
Avoid Overuse of Medications and Supplements
Frequent use of over-the-counter medications or supplements beyond the recommended dosages can lead to kidney problems. Over-the-counter medications should not be used for more than 10 days without consulting a doctor. If symptoms persist despite over-the-counter treatments, it is important to seek medical advice to receive appropriate care.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can visit a healthcare provider or use the consultation features available through the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
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- dr. Pandu Lesmana
McIntosh, J. (2018). Fifteen benefits of drinking water. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290814
Goldman, L. (2023). 8 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health
Cleveland Clinic. 7 Secrets to Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-secrets-to-keeping-your-kidneys-healthy-2/
WebMD. Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-keep-kidneys-healthy
CDC. Water and Healthier Drinks. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html
NHS. Prevention. Kidney Stones. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-stones/prevention/#
Health Match Staff. Can Drinking Water Every Day Lower Your Blood Pressure?. Available from: https://healthmatch.io/high-blood-pressure/can-water-lower-high-blood-pressure#overview