Hydration is key for survival; too much, though, poses real health hazards. Overhydration is the result and can trigger dangerous hyponatremia conditions where a dangerous dilution in the levels of sodium has become critical in producing severe complications.
Myth of More Hydration
There are many times that we hear someone say to drink eight glasses of water a day, but it is not as simple as this. Hydration needs vary by person. It depends on size, activity, and environmental conditions. While drinking enough water is important, the body can get overwhelmed by the amount of water consumed too rapidly, upsetting electrolyte balance.
Too Much Water Drinking
Overhydration may lead to water intoxication and result in the manifestation of such symptoms as headache, confusion, nausea, seizures, or even death. Hyponatremia is dangerous because the body’s sodium content has fallen so low that it can cause cell swelling leading to potentially deadly conditions.
There is no limit, and doctors advise the public not to drink more than three to four liters in less than an hour or more than ten liters daily. Drinking this amount of water in a short time or the whole amount faster than the kidney can process water may cause various serious health concerns.
Signs of Overhydrating
Keep track of your hydration status. Here are some signs of overhydration.
You pee too much- If you keep running to the bathroom every 30 minutes, then you probably drink too much.
Your urine is too light- Pale yellow is perfect; clear urine could mean you’re overhydrating.
You have swelling or bloating- The excess water you retain can puff up your hands, feet, and face.
You feel nauseous and disoriented- This could be an indication that something is wrong with your sodium balance.
The Hydration Path
Instead of forcing water down your throat, let your body be the guide. It has a mechanism called thirst to tell you that you need water. You also can monitor your urine color and consider your activity level to achieve proper hydration without overdoing it.
Water is life, but too much water can be detrimental to your health. Listen to your body and hydrate only when necessary, avoiding overloading your system. While water is life, too much of it can put your health at risk. Stay smart, drink responsibly, and avoid unnecessary hydration challenges.