What happens to your kidneys when you don't drink enough water?

The kidneys play an important role in maintaining the body's fluid balance and filtering waste products from the blood. When dehydrated, the amount of blood flowing through the kidneys will be significantly reduced. To ensure blood filtration efficiency, this important organ must work harder, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Not drinking enough water not only increases the risk of urinary tract infections but also many other kidney problems such as kidney stones and chronic kidney disease.

Additionally, one of the main functions of the kidneys is to regulate the concentration of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium are important for the functioning and maintenance of fluid balance in cells.

However, when the body is dehydrated, this balance is disrupted. The concentration of electrolytes in the blood is no longer at a healthy level. The kidneys have to work harder to balance this electrolyte concentration.

Dehydration also leads to more concentrated urine. When there is not enough water to dilute the waste products in the urine, it becomes concentrated. This condition is characterized by a stronger odor and a dark yellow color instead of straw or white. Concentrated waste products in the urine can increase the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

In addition, chronic dehydration also contributes to kidney damage. Over time, lack of water will damage the kidneys, thereby causing the kidneys to no longer function at optimal levels. Many studies have found that prolonged dehydration can increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. As a result, the kidneys can suffer irreversible damage.

Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water.

It is important to note that you should not wait until you are thirsty to drink water. Health experts recommend drinking water regularly to keep your body hydrated, which will help your kidneys and many other organs function at their best.

An adult should drink at least 2 liters of water per day. However, this amount of water is not fixed but can change depending on body weight, activity level, weather and some other factors.

If you don’t like water, you can still replenish your water intake with some foods. Fruits like strawberries, watermelon, coconut, and cucumbers also have a very high water content. Eating foods like soup, pho, porridge, and hu tieu are also ways to replenish your body with water, according to Healthline .

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