Dehydration and kidney health have become a pressing concern in Nigeria, prompting health experts to urge the public to drink water regularly. They warn that frequent dehydration can lead to permanent kidney damage and renal failure. Studies have confirmed water’s essential role in supporting cells, tissues, and organs, ensuring they function optimally. The same research highlights the severe harm dehydration can inflict on the kidneys.
Adequate hydration is especially critical when running a fever, experiencing diarrhea, or after exercising. Proper fluid intake should be viewed as a cornerstone of healthy living. In an interview with HealthWise, family physician Dr. Ibraheem Kuranga emphasized that water is vital for the human body’s proper functioning. It keeps blood vessels open, allowing nutrient‑rich blood to flow freely to the kidneys. When the body is dehydrated, this delivery system becomes less efficient.
Dr. Kuranga explained that while kidneys are resilient, continuous water deprivation can damage kidney cells. He urged Nigerians to aim for up to three litres of water daily and noted that chronic conditions such as severe hyperglycemia in diabetic patients can also increase the risk of kidney failure. He added, “There is no specific water intake that is strictly prohibited; drink enough to satisfy your thirst. However, if you engage in activities that drain your body water, rehydrate to feel normal again.”
For adults not involved in strenuous exercise and in moderate weather, two to three litres per day is generally sufficient and can be achieved through regular meals. The kidneys regulate body water and are not easily damaged unless exposed to prolonged dehydration—such as during drought, severe illness, or exposure to nephrotoxic agents that directly destroy kidney cells.
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