Are changes in urine indicative of kidney issues? Nephrologist shares how much water you should drink

Dr Nishchay discusses the importance of hydration for kidney health and also highlights urine changes as indicators of kidney issues.

Updated on: Jun 9, 2025, 13:50:06 IST

By Krishna Pallavi Priya

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Kidneys play a crucial role in our overall health. They not only filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, but also regulate blood pressure, maintain electrolyte balance, and produce hormones essential for red blood cell production. Therefore, taking care of your kidneys should be an essential part of your lifestyle. Also Read | Nephrologist shares 5 ways diet can affect your kidney health and foods to avoid: Excess protein to high salt intake

Changes in urine may suggest the kidneys are not filtering waste effectively. (Shutterstock)

Dr Nishchay B, MD, DM (nephrology and kidney transplant), consultant nephrologist, Apollo Clinic, Bellandur, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, talked about how changes in urine can be an indicator of kidney issues and how much water you should drink each day for maintaining the health of your kidneys.

Are changes in urine an indicator of kidney issues?

According to Dr Nishchay, yes, changes in urine are an indicator of kidney issues. He told HT Lifestyle what signs to look out for to know if there is a kidney dysfunction:

Foamy urine
Blood in the urine
Unusually dark urine
Frequent nighttime urination

“These may suggest the kidneys are not filtering waste effectively,” the nephrologist explained.

Your water intake is likely adequate if your urine is light yellow or nearly colourless, (Shutterstock)

How much water should you drink each day?

According to him, this ‘seemingly simple question’ doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. He stated that the common advice is to drink eight glasses of water daily, which is a good general guideline. However, fluid needs vary based on ‘physical activity, climate, and overall health’. Also Read | Gastroenterologist champions this ‘unhinged’ but so effective drink if you've been constipated for days

“Most healthy individuals can stay hydrated by drinking fluids when thirsty. Your intake is likely adequate if you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is light yellow or nearly colourless,” he explained.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Krishna Pallavi Priya
Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More

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