Why is it beneficial to drink plenty of water?

Increasing water consumption has a positive effect on kidney health and the overall condition of the body for several physiological reasons:

Dilution of blood and reduction of plasma osmolality. When a person consumes more water, the concentration of dissolved substances in the blood decreases — for example, urea, creatinine, sodium, and other salts.

This reduces the overall plasma osmolality, decreasing the load on the kidneys, which would otherwise have to actively filter thicker blood with a high concentration of metabolites.

This is especially important in diseases associated with impaired filtration function.

Increased diuresis (urination). Thanks to the intake of a large volume of water, diuresis is enhanced — the kidneys excrete more urine. This helps:

• To eliminate toxins and metabolic products more quickly and efficiently.
• To prevent the formation of kidney stones: a high concentration of calcium, oxalates, and other salts in the urine promotes crystallization and the formation of concretions. Diluted urine reduces this risk.
• To prevent urinary tract infections, as frequent urination does not allow bacteria to attach to the mucosa.

Reduction of the risk of hypertension and edema. Adequate fluid intake activates mechanisms for regulating extracellular fluid volume and pressure, including the action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).

This is especially important in cases of sodium retention and edema — with sufficient water intake, the body can more easily regulate water-salt balance.

Reduction of the load on the glomerular apparatus. The kidneys work as a filter: the fewer toxins and osmotically active substances in the blood, the less strain on the glomeruli.

With good hydration, nephrons function in a gentle mode, which can potentially extend their lifespan.

Thus, adequate water consumption is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to maintain kidney health, improve the elimination of metabolites, protect against stone formation, and stabilize the overall homeostatic balance of the body.