Drinking water the wrong way can strain the kidneys; how much is right
Too much water can lower blood sodium and strain the kidneys, so intake should match thirst, urine colour, weather and health.
Water is very beneficial for the body. It is considered necessary to drink enough to keep fluids and electrolytes in balance. Generally, 2 to 3 litres a day is recommended. But drinking water the wrong way can seriously affect kidney health.
Drinking more water than needed can lower the sodium level in the blood and cause a serious condition called hyponatraemia. Thirst, the colour of urine, the weather and one's state of health should therefore be considered when deciding how much to drink. Many people drink one or two glasses of water on an empty stomach after waking up, but drinking water the wrong way can cause stomach pain or other problems.
Excess water puts stress on the kidneys. If blood sodium drops suddenly, it leads to hyponatraemia, a serious and potentially fatal condition. People with kidney disease, or those on dialysis, should therefore drink only as much water as they need. A fall in blood sodium can cause swelling of cells, severe headache, vomiting and restlessness, and a person can even go into a coma.
Every person's body does not need the same amount of water. For most people, 2 or 3 litres a day is considered enough. The amount depends on age, body build, weather, physical exertion and state of health. People who work in the sun all day may need 4 to 5 litres. Eating a variety of fruits and energy-giving foods along with water is also recommended, as they help maintain the body's water balance.
The body's water level can also be judged from the colour of urine. When the body is well hydrated, urine is light yellow. However, medicines, supplements or drugs for other serious illnesses can change its colour. There is therefore no fixed target for drinking water; what matters is to drink as much as the body needs.
If a person drinks a great deal of water before a blood test, the blood gets diluted and creatinine can show up lower in the report. Instead of drinking more than needed through the day, one should drink only as much as the body requires.
This information is for general awareness only and does not claim to be a treatment. People are advised to consult their doctor before trying any remedy.
