2026-04-14 · 4 min read
Judge by urine, not by litres
The simplest measure is the colour of your urine. Pale straw means you are well hydrated. Dark yellow means you are behind. Aim to pass urine every three to four hours during the day.
Spread it through the day
Drinking two litres in the evening does not protect the kidneys during a hot afternoon. Sip steadily from morning onwards, increase around outdoor work or exercise, and keep a glass by the bedside in summer.
Men with prostate symptoms should shift most of their intake to before 7 pm to reduce night-time trips.
When to be careful
Patients with heart failure or advanced kidney disease may need a fluid restriction. Always follow the specific advice given for your condition.
Information on this website is for patient education only and does not replace an in-person consultation. Treatment results vary between individuals and no outcome is guaranteed.