I Thought 8 Glasses of Water Was Healthy — Until My Kidneys Said Otherwise

Like most people, I grew up hearing the same health advice over and over again: "Drink 8 glasses of water a day." It became part of my routine — like brushing my teeth or having breakfast. I even kept a tall water bottle on my desk at all times to make sure I hit the quota.

Clear skin. Detoxification. Weight loss. Better concentration. I believed in the benefits like gospel. I felt good. Clean. Responsible.

But then, a sharp pain in my side — dull at first, then searing — sent me to the doctor. I thought it might be a pulled muscle from the gym. It wasn’t.

It was early-stage **hyponatremia** — a condition caused by drinking too much water, which dilutes sodium levels in the blood. And it was starting to take a toll on my kidneys.

Wait… Too Much Water?

That went against everything I’d ever learned. But the doctor explained that our kidneys can only filter so much water per hour — about 0.8 to 1 liter. Going far beyond that, especially over an extended period, creates unnecessary stress on the kidneys, forcing them to overwork and flush out electrolytes that the body needs to function.

What’s worse, overhydration can mimic the symptoms of dehydration: fatigue, headaches, nausea. So you drink more water… and dig yourself deeper.

Where Did 8 Glasses Even Come From?

I went down a rabbit hole. Turns out, the "8 glasses a day" rule wasn’t rooted in solid science. It was based on a 1945 recommendation that adults need about 2.5 liters of fluid per day — but most of that comes from food and other drinks. Somewhere along the way, the nuance got lost and turned into a rigid rule.

Listening to My Body, Not Just the Internet

Now, I drink when I’m thirsty. I don’t chug water just to hit a number. I let my body guide me. Some days I drink more, others less. My energy improved. The headaches stopped. And my kidney function — thankfully — returned to normal after some rest and rebalancing.

This experience taught me that health isn’t about blindly following trends or "magic numbers." It’s about listening, adjusting, and asking better questions.

Your body isn’t a spreadsheet. It’s a conversation. Listen to it.

So yes, water is essential. But like all good things — too much can still be harmful. Moderation and awareness are the real keys to wellness.