The Danger Of Drinking Too Much Water

Some health professionals say drink a lot of water for a healthy living. Medical doctors are not left out. They make everyone believe that there is nothing like too much water intake.

Drinking water is good. That is because water helps to regulate body temperature, prevent constipation, flush out waste and help in regulating body electrolytes. When the body is dehydrated, it can cause problems. Excess water consumption is fatal and very deadly too.

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The quantity of water needed per time or day depends on so many factors. They are body weight, climate and level of physical activity. It is a rare occurrence to exceed the needed quantity. But it does happen. This is especially so with athletes who consume water before and after each activity. They may not know the right quantity to drink at that time.

It is best to drink water that the kidney can get rid of via urine. An average human kidney can get rid of below a liter of water in an hour or 28 liters in a day. So it is wrong and dangerous to drink more than one litre in an hour or 28 liters in a day. And this includes water from the food we eat.

The quantity of water that is dangerous to the body is the quantity that dilutes body electrolytes to a dangerous level. The major electrolyte is sodium. Sodium level below 135mmol/l is bad. Such a level causes fluid to rush into cells thereby causing the cells to swell and eventually burst due to pressure.

When we drink water, it is excreted from the body through different means. There are some conditions whereby water is retained longer in the body than normal. This can also contribute to excess water in the body. Disease of the liver and kidney is the major cause of this.

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When the pressure in the cells of the brain increases due to excess water consumption, the person begins to feel a severe headache, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, confusion sets in. Others include high blood pressure, drowsiness, etc.

Drinking water

Right Amount Of Water To Drink

It may be confusing about the right quantity of water to drink. Following a set rule of minimum or maximum quantity is not truly an idea. A simple rule of thumb is to follow thirst. Drink when thirsty. Drink more water during the day than at night. Use urine colour to estimate normal water level in the body. Pale yellow is an indication of hydration while dark yellow or brown is an indication of dehydration. A clear urine signals overhydration. Although this may not work in case of pregnant women, athletes and older adults.

How To Reduce Overhydration

For somebody who was overhydrated, the first thing is to reduce fluid intake of any form. In severe cases, give diuretics and replace sodium by giving common salt. In cases caused by disease, treat the condition or any other cause.

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