Dr Fiona Wu, Senior Consultant Urologist and Medical Director at Aare Urocare (a member of Beyond Medical Group), was featured in Lianhe Zaobao to share insights on hydration habits and common misconceptions surrounding water intake.
While many people are familiar with the idea of drinking “8 glasses of water a day”, the article highlights that this should be seen as a general guide rather than a strict rule. Hydration needs vary from person to person, depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, climate, and underlying medical conditions. Instead of focusing on a fixed number, individuals are encouraged to adopt a more flexible approach and stay attuned to their body’s needs.
The feature also explores how hydration affects kidney health. In the short term, insufficient fluid intake may reduce blood flow to the kidneys and affect their ability to function optimally. Over time, consistently low fluid intake may result in more concentrated urine, which can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
At the same time, the article cautions against the idea that “more is always better.” Excessive water intake, especially in certain individuals, may lead to imbalances in the body. This reinforces the importance of maintaining a balanced and appropriate level of hydration.
A key highlight from the feature addresses the growing “detox” narrative often seen on social media. As Dr Fiona Wu explains:
“Adequate hydration supports bodily functions, but does not directly ‘detox’ the body.”
This clarifies that while water plays an important role in supporting normal physiological processes, it is not a standalone method for detoxification. Kidney function depends on overall health and fluid balance rather than the temperature or quantity of water consumed alone.