Can Dehydration Affect Your Kidneys?

Can dehydration affect your kidneys? The answer is yes.

About 60-70% of your body weight is made of water, and every part of your body needs it to function properly. 

Water helps:

• Remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine.
• Keep blood vessels open so nutrients can travel freely to your kidneys.

When you’re dehydrated, the body doesn’t perform these functions as well. 

Dehydration can occur when you lose too much body water from:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Increased urine output from conditions like poorly controlled diabetes

Mild dehydration may cause fatigue and impair normal body functions. Frequent mild dehydration may lead to permanent kidney damage over time. Severe dehydration can damage the kidneys more quickly. 

Learn how the kidneys work.

Dehydration can:

• Cause waste and acid build-up in your body.
• Clog kidneys with muscle proteins (myoglobin).
• Contribute to kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Kidney stones are less likely to form when you drink enough water to keep stone-forming crystals from sticking together. Water also helps flush out bacteria and makes antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTIs) more effective.

• Dry or sticky mouth
• Feeling thirsty
• Headaches
• Dark yellow urine
• Feeling tired
• Urinating less frequently

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for water intake. Your needs depend on age, climate, exercise, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and illness. Ask a healthcare professional how much water is right for you. 

If you have kidney failure, follow your healthcare provider’s advice on fluid intake. Learn more about fluid management for kidney disease.

Stay hydrated and listen to your body. If you’re concerned about dehydration or kidney health, talk to your healthcare provider about how much water is right for you.

Learn more about healthy hydration.