Hydration for kidney health - Kidney Research UK (2024)

We are at the greatest risk of dehydration when we are too hot or too dry, have limited access to water or lose more water than usual. Warm or dry environments, such as centrally-heated homes, tend to increase our need for fluid. We can lose more fluid through sweating (due to exercise or hot climates), or through bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea.

The colour of our urine can be a clear indicator of whether we’re taking in enough fluids. We should aim to produce urine that’s straw coloured or paler but, if it’s any darker than this, it may suggest that we are dehydrated.

Dehydration, especially chronic dehydration, results in the production of urine which has a higher concentration of minerals and waste products. This can lead to the formation of crystals which can affect kidney function and contribute to certain kidney diseases, such as kidney stones.

Research suggests that drinking plain water, in particular, can have a potentially protective effect on kidney function.

Hydration for kidney health - Kidney Research UK (2024)

FAQs

Hydration for kidney health - Kidney Research UK? ›

Women should aim to drink eight 200ml glasses of fluid a day. Men should aim to drink ten 200ml glasses of fluid a day. During warmer weather conditions or when exercising strenuously you may need to drink more water than normal, due to fluid losses through sweating.

Does hydration improve kidney function? ›

Water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Water also helps keep your blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to your kidneys, and deliver essential nutrients to them.

What is the best drink to hydrate your kidneys? ›

To help protect your kidneys, drink beverages like plain water, coffee with low-fat milk, and unsweetened cranberry juice.

What is the best way to rehydrate your kidneys? ›

People with underlying conditions, such as congestive heart or kidney failure, as well as endurance or extreme athletes, are at a higher risk for this condition. Water is the best way to rehydrate. Plain water is the best source of hydration for your body, especially your kidneys.

What is the best water to drink if you have chronic kidney disease? ›

Pure, naturally-filtered water is the best thing you can drink for good kidney health.

Can you reverse kidney damage from dehydration? ›

Dehydration, which is a health condition characterized by an excessive loss of water in the body, can cause acute kidney failure. With proper treatment, the effects of kidney failure due to dehydration are reversible, and the patient can recover with no long-term kidney damage.

How can I increase my GFR kidney function? ›

Other ways to boost your kidney health are to:
  1. Avoid processed foods, which are high in salt.
  2. Follow a low-salt diet. Talk to your doctor about the DASH diet.
  3. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies.
  4. Limit protein. ...
  5. Exercise routinely.
  6. Cut back on or quit smoking.
  7. Maintain a healthy weight.

What damages the kidneys the most? ›

Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. But also heart disease and obesity can contribute to the damage that causes kidneys to fail. Urinary tract issues and inflammation in different parts of the kidney can also lead to long-term functional decline.

Does lemon water flush your kidneys? ›

Lemon juice is naturally acidic and increases citrate levels in urine, hence discouraging the formation of kidney stones. Lemon juice also filters blood and flushes out wastes and other toxins.

What heals kidneys fast? ›

Following are some natural remedies that can help you take care of your kidneys.
  • Stay hydrated. The most common reason for the formation of kidney problems is lack of water. ...
  • Vitamin C. Vitamins and minerals are powerful antioxidants. ...
  • Apples. ...
  • Kidney beans. ...
  • Lemon juice and honey. ...
  • Watch blood pressure. ...
  • Dates.
Dec 13, 2021

What drinks are hardest on the kidneys? ›

Sodas. According to the American Kidney Fund, a recent study suggests that drinking two or more carbonated sodas, diet or regular, each day may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Carbonated and energy drinks have both been linked to the formation of kidney stones.

What not to drink if you have kidney problems? ›

As a result, sodas, especially those that are dark, should usually be avoided on a renal diet. Dark-colored sodas should be avoided on a renal diet, as they contain phosphorus in its additive form, which is highly absorbable by the human body.

How can I make my kidneys stronger again? ›

If kidney function begins to decline, you can take the following steps.
  1. Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar within norms. This will help slow the decline in kidney function. ...
  2. Lower your cholesterol. ...
  3. Consider medication. ...
  4. Eat a plant-based diet; limit protein intake. ...
  5. Use NSAIDs with caution.
Sep 11, 2023

What are the worst foods for kidney function? ›

Keep Your Kidneys Healthy: 5 Foods To Avoid
  • Soda: Steer clear! ...
  • Processed deli meats: Scrap cold cuts like bologna and ham from your diet! ...
  • Butter: Skimp on the spread! ...
  • Mayonnaise: One tablespoon of mayonnaise contains a whopping 103 calories!

What is the #1 best drink for your kidneys? ›

Water: Water is simply the best drink you can have! Water is a zero-calorie, perfectly hydrating, cheap drink. If you are in the earlier stages of kidney disease, choosing water most of the time to quench your thirst will keep your body and kidneys functioning well.

Are bananas good for the kidneys? ›

Damaged kidneys build up potassium in the blood, resulting in serious heart problems. Potassium is present in bananas, other fruits and vegetables (such as potatoes, avocados and melons). People with advanced kidney disease are usually advised to avoid some fruits and vegetables, including bananas.

How can I make my kidneys function better? ›

8 Ways to Care for Your Kidneys
  1. Get tested for kidney disease. Many people don't know they have kidney disease because symptoms are typically not noticeable at early stages. ...
  2. Monitor blood pressure. ...
  3. Exercise regularly. ...
  4. Manage blood sugar. ...
  5. Eat a balanced diet. ...
  6. Stay well hydrated. ...
  7. Stop smoking. ...
  8. Limit OTC medication use.
Mar 3, 2023

How much water does it take to flush out your kidneys? ›

It's crucial to drink enough water so that the kidneys can properly flush out any excess waste materials. This is especially important during a kidney cleanse. The recommended daily intake of fluids is roughly 3.7 liters and 2.7 liters a day for men and women, respectively, according to the Institute of Medicine.

What is the fastest way to flush your kidneys? ›

What do you drink to flush out your kidneys? Drinking enough water per day is crucial to promote urination, through which the kidneys secrete waste products. It is recommended that people consume six to eight 8-ounce (oz) glasses of water per day.

Will drinking a lot of water lower my creatinine levels? ›

Water intake: Drinking a lot of water just before a blood test can temporarily lower creatinine levels.

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