Importance of Water for Kidney Health

The consumption of sufficient quantity of water is extremely vital for the proper and efficient functioning of all the part of our body. This is because dehydration can impact the various organ systems and cause them to stop working properly. One of the most important organs that get affected by the fluid levels, particularly water, is the kidney.

The primary role of the kidney is to filter and accumulate the waste and toxins in the body such as harmful chemicals, excess fluid and unnecessary nutrients. The kidneys combine it with water resulting in the formation of urine which is eliminated via the bladder. This filtering process happens throughout the day for purifying the blood. Lack or insufficient quantity of water impairs the kidney function causing kidney stones which are formed due to the high concentration of toxins in the urine (also termed as nephrolithiasis) due to dehydration. Therefore there is a strong relationship between the intake of water and kidney stones.

It is important to understand that while several factors can lead to nephrolithiasis, fluid consumption plays a major role. Though the smaller kidney stones may be excreted through urine, the larger stones can cause blockage of the urethra and ureters resulting in Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). Therefore hydration and kidney health are interdependent as water helps in the dilution of urine and decreases the probability of stone formation.

Besides their role in excretion, kidneys are also responsible for the production of hormones that create red blood cells, maintain blood pressure and activate the assimilation of vitamin D which is essential for healthy bones.

Benefits of Drinking Water

• Maintains the fluid balance in the body - Our body is composed of 60% water and this fluid content influences various functions including digestion, absorption, maintaining body temperature, saliva creation and transportation of nutrients. Lack of water impairs kidney functioning leading to dehydration and loss of electrolytes disturbing the fluid balance.
• Control of calorie intake - Water certainly helps to maintain healthy body weight and acts as a good substitute for high-calorie beverages. Food enriched with water ensures slower absorption, give a feeling of satiety and avoids frequent hunger pangs which can lead to obesity.
• Energizes the muscles - Fluids like water and electrolytes are vital for maintaining muscular health especially during physical activity and exercise to prevent fatigue. Water must be consumed at regular intervals to replace the fluids lost by sweating.
• Promotes skin health – Water is present in the skin and acts as a protective barrier to prevent fluid loss and ensure correct hydration levels for proper kidney functioning.
• Helps the kidneys in excretion - The waste products in the body are transported in and out of the cells by body fluids. The main toxin generated in the blood is urea which is a water- soluble waste excreted by the kidneys through urine for detoxifying the body and preventing kidney stone formation.

Kidney Health Tips

• Eat a balanced healthy diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and avoid foods with high sodium, saturated fats, cholesterol and processed edibles.
• Have a regular routine for doing physical activities as it decreases blood pressure, builds muscles, controls body weight, decreases insulin and lipid levels in the blood thereby avoiding pressure on the kidneys.
• Decrease cholesterol levels by consuming low-fat foods to prevent heart and kidney problems.
• Ensure that the blood pressure is well under control by avoiding fluid build up that impairs kidney performance.
• Keep your sugar levels under control as it can damage the kidneys.
• Consult kidney stone doctor immediately if you suspect any kidney problem as it is, in turn, a potentially high-risk factor for causing heart ailments.

Thus water plays a crucial role in the efficient performance of the kidneys and keeping this vital organ healthy.