by Darcia Helle

Created on: July 23, 2008

Most people have two kidneys, each about the size of a fist, located on either side of the spine at the bottom of the rib cage. In simple terms, kidneys are the body's filter. In a 24-hour period, the kidneys process approximately 200 quarts of blood in order to sift out about 2 quarts of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which is stored in the bladder until emptied.

The kidneys perform the critical task of regulating the body's salt, potassium, and acid content. Other functions performed by the kidneys include:

1. Control and stimulate red blood cell production
2. Release hormones that regulate blood pressure
3. Control calcium metabolism
4. Remove waste products from the body
5. Remove medication/drugs from the body
6. Balance the body's fluids
7. Produce an active form of vitamin D

Water has long been considered a vital nutrient for aiding in the process of waste removal. The typical recommendation for water consumption in ounces is the person's body weight. Therefore, a 140-pound woman would need to drink 70-ounces of water per day.

However, newer research has caused some doctors and scientists to contradict the belief that we should all flood our bodies with water. Dr. Stanley Goldfarb and Dr. Dan Negoianu, both of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, reviewed the scientific literature on the health effects of drinking a lot of water. On the subject of facilitating toxin excretion, Dr. Goldfarb claimed that the need for excess water was not verified by any sort of scientific study. Dr. Goldfarb said, "The kidneys clear toxins. This is what the kidneys do. They do it very effectively. And they do it independently of how much water you take in. When you take in a lot of water, all you do is put out more urine but not more toxins in the urine."

The need to drink large amounts of water to help flush the kidneys is now somewhat controversial. The best solution is to listen to your body. Drink when you are thirsty. Drink a little more when you are sick, exercising, or spending time outdoors in the summer.
While the amount of water your kidneys require may be lacking scientific studies, the type of water is not. On April 15, 2008, the National Kidney Foundation (NFK) issued a statement that fluoride can damage the bones of kidney patients. Citing a 2006 National Research Council (NRC) report, the NFK withdrew its support of water fluoridation. The NRC report indicated that kidney patients are more susceptible to fluoride's

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