Fact Check: Can Drinking Water While Standing Lead To Kidney Damage?

An Instagram post claims that Drinking Water While Standing leads to kidney damage. This claim is False.

Claim

An Instagram post claims that Drinking Water While Standing Leads to kidney damage. In the post, user healthis_care says never to drink water while standing as it leads to kidney damage and drinking water while standing causes kidney damage as it passes without filtration. The user also makes other claims, like drinking water while standing leads to joint damage and heart and lung issues. The post has 1,138 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim made by user is FALSE as the position in which you drink water doesn't lead to kidney damage.

What is Kidney Damage?

Kidney Damage also known as renal damage or renal failure occurs when one or both kidneys can no longer function properly on their own. It can develop suddenly (acute) or progress gradually over time (chronic). Without treatment, kidney failure is life-threatening, and survival is limited to days or weeks. It refers to reduced kidney function caused by injury or disease, disrupting the kidneys' ability to filter waste, regulate blood pressure, balance electrolytes, and produce hormones. As a result, toxins and fluids build up in the body, affecting overall health.

What are the causes of kidney damage?

Dr. Kartikeya Kohli, MBBS, DNB Internal Medicine Consultant at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital explained the causes of kidney failure, "Kidney damage is often caused by chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which place prolonged stress on the kidneys, impairing their function. Other contributing factors include chronic kidney disorders such as glomerulonephritis and polycystic kidney disease, long-term use of medications like NSAIDs, recurrent urinary tract infections, and autoimmune diseases like lupus. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and high-sodium diets can significantly worsen kidney health. It is important to consult a nephrologist for proper diagnosis and treatment for kidney damage."

Can Drinking Water While Standing Lead To Kidney Damage?

Proper hydration is essential for kidney function but the claim that drinking water while standing leads to kidney damage and water passes through the kidney without filtration is not backed by any scientific evidence or medical consensus.

In a study by Jong Ah Lo et. al. found that higher daily water intake per body weight reduces the risk of renal impairment. Increased water intake improves the clearance of sodium, urea, and osmolytes, while insufficient water intake leads to concentrated urine, contributing to kidney stress and albuminuria. Over time, repeated low fluid volume can cause cumulative kidney damage, accelerating the onset of Chronic Kidney Disorder.

Jessica M. Sontrop et. al. conducted a cross-sectional analysis where it was concluded that increased total water intake, especially from plain water, may have a potentially protective effect on kidney health.

An article published in the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease found that higher plain water consumption is frequently linked to a reduced risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

However, Sandra Wagner et. al.'s article highlights that for chronic kidney disease patients, the relationship between water intake and kidney health is dependent on the condition of the patient. In the advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, when urine output is reduced, water intake is typically reduced to reflect the body's needs.

Dr Nitin Kumar, Consultant- Nephrology, Manipal Hospital Patiala responded to the claim and said, "The idea that drinking water while standing can lead to kidney damage is a myth. There is no medical evidence supporting this claim. While it is generally advised to drink water slowly for better digestion, your position—standing or sitting—does not directly affect kidney health. Some people believe that drinking water while standing causes the water to pass through the body without proper filtration by the kidneys, but this isn't true. The kidneys are highly efficient organs, filtering blood and maintaining fluid balance regardless of how you drink water. They are more influenced by factors such as hydration levels, diet, and overall lifestyle choices. What truly matters is staying well-hydrated to support proper kidney function, regardless of your posture."

Dr. Kartikeya Kohli, MBBS, DNB Internal Medicine Consultant at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital further added, "The claim that drinking water while standing can cause kidney damage or bypass proper filtration is simply not accurate. The kidneys work continuously to filter toxins and maintain the body's fluid balance, and this process is unaffected by whether you drink water sitting or standing. The idea that water would somehow skip filtration if consumed while standing is scientifically unfounded and goes against concepts of human anatomy ."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Adequate water consumption is linked to a reduced risk of chronic kidney disease, emphasizing the role of proper hydration in maintaining kidney health and overall well-being. However, it is crucial to understand that in the advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, excessive water intake can be harmful, and patients should follow restricted fluid guidelines to prevent complications. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that drinking water while standing leads to kidney damage and water passes through the kidney without filtration.

Hence, the claim is FALSE.