Composition and Properties of Urine
Urine is composed primarily of water, urea, and other dissolved elements, such as salts, toxins, and organic compounds. Urea, one of its main components after water, has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral characteristics. These properties have led some to believe that urine may have medicinal applications. However, it is important to note that urea is also a waste product produced by our body, and its consumption can have health implications.
Urine as a Source of Survival
In extreme survival situations, where access to clean water is limited, drinking urine may seem like an option. Urine is sterile when excreted by a healthy individual and consists mainly of water. However, it also contains waste that the body seeks to eliminate. Drinking urine may therefore provide temporary hydration , but it also increases the concentration of these wastes in the body, which can be harmful in the long term.
Traditional Medicinal Use of Urine
Historically, in several ancient cultures, such as Egypt, China, India, and the Aztecs, urine was used as a treatment for various ailments. Traditional medicinal practices based on Ayurveda also include drinking urine. These practices hold that urine can treat illnesses like asthma, arthritis, allergies, acne, and even cancer. However, there is no current scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of urine in treating these diseases.
Risks Associated with Consumption of Urine
Although drinking small amounts of your own urine may not be immediately harmful to a healthy person, there are risks. Urine can contain harmful substances, especially in people who have taken medications or been exposed to environmental toxins. Additionally, regular consumption of urine can increase the concentration of these substances in the body, potentially leading to adverse effects.
Myths and Facts about the Benefits of Urine
While some proponents of urine therapy tout its healing properties, the scientific community remains skeptical. The kidneys filter and remove substances that the body does not need, keeping those that are useful. Consuming urine, on the other hand, is ingesting waste that the body has deemed unnecessary or potentially harmful.
Alternatives to Urine Consumption in Survival Situations
In survival situations, it is essential to know alternative methods of obtaining clean drinking water. Techniques like rainwater harvesting, distillation, or filtration of water found in nature are preferable to drinking urine. Knowledge of these techniques can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations.