Do kidneys shrink without water? Here’s what happens when kidneys aren’t hydrated

Kidneys require adequate hydration to efficiently filter blood and regulate bodily fluids. Dehydration doesn’t shrink kidneys but impairs their function, concentrating urine and increasing the risk of kidney stones, infections, and acute kidney injury. Consistent hydration is crucial for long-term kidney health, preventing chronic kidney disease, while overhydration can also be detrimental.