Drinking urine — also known as urine therapy — is often promoted in some alternative medicine circles, but there is no scientific evidence supporting health benefits from drinking urine. In fact, medical professionals and scientific literature generally advise against it.
Why people claim it helps?
Advocates sometimes claim that urine can:
- Boost the immune system
- Detoxify the body
- Provide nutrients or hormones
- Heal wounds (especially when applied topically)
However, these claims are largely anecdotal and not supported by rigorous clinical studies.
What urine actually is?
Urine is a waste product. It’s made up of:
- Water (~95%)
- Urea (2%)
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride)
- Creatinine, ammonia, and other waste substances
It’s how the body removes excess salts, nitrogen, and toxins. Drinking it reverses this natural detox process.
Scientific and Medical Viewpoint
World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Do not recommend urine ingestion under any condition.
In survival scenarios, urine drinking may actually worsen dehydration due to its salt and waste content.
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2011):
Discusses urea as a beneficial component in topical creams for dry skin, but not for oral ingestion.
[Reference: Draelos ZD. “Active agents in common skin care products.” J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011]
Military Survival Manuals (e.g., U.S. Army Field Manual FM 21-76):*
Clearly advise against drinking urine, even in life-or-death situations.
Medical Toxicology Textbooks:
Drinking urine may increase levels of waste substances and can stress the kidneys.
Conclusion
There is no credible, science-backed evidence that drinking urine provides any health benefits. On the contrary, it may pose health risks, especially in repeated or high-volume consumption.
