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Earlier this week we reported on the disgusting fad that pensioners in China swear keeps them fit and healthy – but one man is regretting taking it up in the first place after being diagnosed with a serious kidney disease.

Zhou Linhui, 88, started drinking his own wee in 1990, believing it would cure his ill health.

He started to feel better so carried on drinking it – but docs say his stint in hospital with kidney failure is a direct result of taking it up.

Urologist Xiong Yu, who is treating Zhou, said: "Urine is a waste product, why anyone would think putting it back into the body is a good thing is beyond me."

This weird waste treatment is gaining popularity across China – with as many as 100,000 people swearing it keeps them fit and young.

Retired engineer Bao Yafu, 79, is the chairman of the China Urine Treatment Association and has been drinking urine for 22 years.

He insists that there are numerous health benefits if people can get over the initial "gross" taste.

Bao not only drinks three cups of his own urine every day, but also uses urine to wash his face.

He said: "I have never caught a cold in the past 22 years.

"My eyes become brighter and there are no age spots on my face.

However, local doctors said the urine treatment is not scientific, and it is not advised to consume it.