Do you know how terrible it is to hold urine and not drink water?
On a typical busy day, Aunt Li, like many people, is so immersed in heavy housework and work that she often forgets to hydrate her body enough, let alone go to the toilet on time. Until one day, she went to the hospital with a slight discomfort in her lower back, and it turned out that not only did she have a urinary tract infection, but the doctor also warned that if she continued to ignore it, kidney stones would come uninvited. This true story may coincide with many people's daily lives, but it reveals a serious question that we often overlook: how harmful is it to hold urine and not drink water?
We live in a fast-paced society and often overlook the need for water and the importance of regular urination for a variety of reasons. But do you know what the consequences of such a habit can be, from urinary tract infections to kidney damage, from bladder dysfunction to metabolic problems in the body, and even affecting our cognitive function and skin health – these are just the tip of the iceberg.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the top five dangers of holding urine and not drinking water, and how you can significantly reduce these health risks and live a healthier and more comfortable life by changing these simple habits. Let's uncover the hidden dangers behind these common habits and learn how to take better care of your body.
Hazard 1: The "invisible killer" of the urinary tract
Holding urine for a long time increases the chance of bacteria in the bladder multiplying, which can travel retrograde to the upper urinary tract and cause urinary tract infections. If left untreated, the infection may travel to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis, which can accumulate over time and affect kidney function. The kidneys are the main detoxification organs of the human body, and once damaged, the health of the whole body will be affected. The key to maintaining a healthy urinary tract is to empty your bladder regularly to avoid providing an environment for bacteria to thrive.
Hazard 2: "Overwhelmed" bladder
Long-term excessive pressure on the bladder will lead to overstretching of the bladder wall muscles, dysfunction, manifested as symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and incomplete urination. This not only affects quality of life, but can also lead to a permanent reduction in bladder capacity in the long term, which can seriously affect the ability to urinate. Reasonable urination time and reducing the burden on the bladder are effective ways to maintain bladder health.
Hazard 3: The "Ship of the Desert" of Metabolism
The human body needs about 2.5 litres of water per day to maintain normal physiological and metabolic functions. Not drinking water or not drinking enough water will lead to hemoconcentration, increase the burden on the heart and kidneys, and may induce kidney stones over time. Insufficient water also affects the transport of nutrients and oxygen, as well as the excretion of metabolic wastes, posing a threat to overall health. Maintaining adequate water intake is essential for the proper functioning of the body's systems.
危害四：心智的“隐形干旱”
Lack of water can directly affect brain function, leading to problems such as memory loss, poor concentration, and sluggish reactions. Chronic dehydration can also trigger mood problems, such as anxiety and depression. The brain is made up of about 70% water, and drinking a moderate amount of water can keep the nervous system working properly and maintain emotional stability.
Hazard 5: The "drought crisis" of the skin
The lack of water in the body is first reflected in the skin, which manifests as dryness, lack of elasticity, and accelerated aging. Moisture is the foundation for maintaining healthy skin, and adequate moisture can help the skin stay moisturized and elastic, slowing down the aging process. By maintaining good drinking habits, you can boost your skin's natural barrier function and keep your skin healthy and youthful.
In writing the above content, based on the basic knowledge of medicine and common sense of health maintenance, we provide specific and practical health advice to help readers understand the potential dangers of holding urine and not drinking water, and encourage the adoption of positive lifestyle changes to maintain and improve their health.