Question

Does drinking more water at night affect the kidneys?

Answer

The kidneys have a strong ability to regulate the body’s water metabolism. When the body has sufficient water, the renal tubules reduce water reabsorption, allowing a large amount of water to be excreted with urine; conversely, when the body lacks water, the renal tubules increase water reabsorption, leading to concentrated urine and reduced urine volume. One of the main functions of the kidneys is to regulate water metabolism. If kidney function is poor, urine volume will decrease, and excessive water intake may lead to edema. In patients with uremia (kidney failure), due to the kidneys’ inability to fully metabolize waste in the body, urine volume will significantly decrease, accompanied by severe edema.