Dr. Robert Cook - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Robert Cook

Is Drinking Pee Bad For You?

Also Known As: drinking urine


Grade

D-


Short answer

As shocking as it sounds-you can drink urine. Because urine is a waste product that is produced by our kidneys you should only drink small amounts and it is primarily recommended if you are in a situation that calls for very extreme survival skills. Urine is 95% water so it can replace some lost water, but the other components of urine can be quite problematic. So, in short, it is bad for you. (The reason for the Grade of D- and not an F is based on the possible benefits of Urotherapy discussed below.)

Grade

D-


Long answer

Our body is a magical detoxification system.  We live in a very toxic society so we are constantly cleansing out the impurities that bombard us every day.  We eliminate toxins via the liver, the gastrointestinal tract, the pulmonary system, our sweat glands and via the kidneys. Impurities that accumulate in the bloodstream are filtered through the kidneys and excreted in the urine. Again-urine is 95% water, 2.5% urea, and depending on your diet, medications and overall health, your urine could contain 1000’s of additional compounds and contaminants that comprise that additional 2.5%.  Urine contains sodium and other dehydrating components that can lead to dehydration faster than if you drank sea water. 

Although there are a few reports of people surviving in disaster situations by drinking their own urine-it comes with potentially deadly side effects.

 

Side Effects

Because urine is a waste product, ingesting it can lead to a more toxic bloodstream in a very short period of time.  Drinking urine if you are healthy, young and hydrated will have a less immediate toxic effect than if you are in a situation of survival and are already becoming dehydrated.  In a situation where you are already physically compromised the symptoms experienced with drinking urine are escalated. Side effects of drinking urine for more than 24-72 hours can include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Dry mouth
  • Lethargy
  • Decreased urine output that has a darker color
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Drop in blood pressure
  • Fever
  • Poor skin elasticity
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Eventual shock with cardiovascular collapse

 

Benefits of Urotherapy?

It is believed that Urotherapy (the ingestion of one’s own urine, or topical application) originated with the start of Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.  There are still alternative and Eastern Medical professionals that recommend Urotherapy for its medicinal properties.  It is felt that unless you have a urinary tract infection; urine is sterile by nature and has natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral and overall healing properties. Some medical professionals even feel urine has anti-cancer properties. These practitioners recommend rubbing urine on the skin and ingesting small amounts to keep the external and internal body in homeostasis (balance).  

Because substantial medical research has not been done into this practice the recommendation would be not to drink your urine unless you are in a survival situation and have nothing else to properly hydrate your body.  




Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 12-19-2017
Last updated: 11-28-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 12-19-2017
Last updated: 11-28-2023




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