It’s commonly known that the recommended daily water intake is eight glasses of water a day, but did you know this is only based on averages? The National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) estimates that men need approximately 13 cups (3 liters) of fluid daily, and women need approximately 9 cups (2.2 liters). 

How much water a person needs, however, must be based on the following factors:

• Age 
• Illness 
• Climate 
• Exercise
• Stage of pregnancy, when applicable

Dehydration can impede normal body functions, put stress on your kidneys, and lead to kidney failure, so drinking the right amount of water for you can help keep your kidneys healthy. Here are a few facts about daily water intake for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to keep in mind.*

Hydration facts for CKD patients

• If you have kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease, or ESKD) and are on dialysis, your doctor will significantly restrict your water intake. When the kidneys fail, they don’t excrete sufficient amounts of water, if any at all.
• Sweat, vomit, and diarrhea all cause extra water loss. Rehydration is critical to restore and maintain good health. If you are on fluid restriction, speak with your doctor about how to safely and adequately rehydrate.
• It’s possible to drink too much water. In doing so, you dilute the amount of sodium in your bloodstream, which is extremely dangerous. This is rare for the average person, but it is more common for endurance athletes.
• Your urine can indicate your hydration level. In general, your urine should be either a light yellow color or colorless, and your output should be approximately 6 cups (1.5 liters) per day. Darker urine means that you’re dehydrated. 
• Good hydration helps stave off kidney stones by preventing stone-forming crystals from sticking together. It also produces more urine, which helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by flushing out bacteria that can cause infection.
• Drinking extra water with certain medications, as well as before and after procedures involving contrast dyes, may help prevent kidney damage. Consult your doctor before taking new medications or undergoing procedures, especially if you have fluid restrictions.

*National Kidney Foundation. (2020, Sep. 1). 6 Tips To Be “Water Wise” for Healthy Kidneys. https://www.kidney.org/content/6-tips-be-water-wise-healthy-kidneys