The belief that drinking more water automatically leads to more health is a widespread fallacy. A kidney specialist dismantles this myth, explaining that while water is essential, excessive consumption offers no extra benefits for a healthy person and can, in fact, be harmful.
Our kidneys are the sophisticated filtration plants of our bodies. They are designed to operate efficiently with a moderate amount of fluid—around two to three liters per day for most adults. This allows them to effectively remove waste without being overworked.
When you flood your system with water under the assumption that you are “super-cleansing” it, you are misguided. This practice forces your kidneys to work harder, which can disrupt the body’s delicate electrolyte balance, particularly sodium.
The most significant danger of this is hyponatremia, a condition of dangerously low blood sodium. This can lead to a host of health problems, from nausea and confusion to life-threatening seizures, as the body’s cells swell with excess water.
True health comes from balance, not excess. Support your kidneys with a sensible diet and a moderate intake of fluids, guided by your body’s own thirst signals. This is a far more effective and safer path to well-being than falling for the fluid fallacy.