Buzz
It’s widely known that staying hydrated is crucial for health. Much has been written about calculating the right amount of water to drink daily and discovering inventive ways to meet that goal. However, it may surprise you that drinking excessive water can actually be dangerous, even life-threatening. Here’s what you should understand about water poisoning.
What Exactly Is Water Poisoning?
Water poisoning, also known as water intoxication, happens when you consume so much water that your cells become overloaded, according to Dr. Dan Brennan, who discussed the issue on WebMD. The cells begin to expand, and the swelling in your brain can create pressure, causing symptoms like confusion, fatigue, or headaches. If it persists, this can lead to elevated blood pressure or a dangerously low heart rate.
Overhydration can significantly impact sodium levels, leading to a condition known as hyponatremia. When your blood's sodium concentration drops too low, you might experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, fatigue, irritability, muscle weakness, or spasms, and in extreme cases, seizures or even coma. In severe situations, it could be fatal.
How can you tell if you’re consuming too much water?
According to WebMD, the color of your urine can be a helpful indicator. While it’s normal for it to occasionally appear clear, this is subjective. Keep in mind that, contrary to popular belief, the appearance of your urine shows what your body is trying to eliminate, not what’s currently in your system.
On average, you should be urinating six to eight times a day. If you’re someone who drinks a lot of water or coffee, you might go up to 10 times. Just monitor your frequency to ensure you’re not going too far beyond that.
The symptoms of overhydration, such as nausea and fatigue, can resemble those of dehydration, but don’t be misled into drinking more water. Watch for changes in the color or swelling of your hands, feet, and lips. When you’re overhydrated, they may become swollen or discolored.
How much water is too much for your body?
In a case highlighted by research published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology, a 64-year-old woman was thought to have consumed between 30 and 40 glasses of water the evening before her death. While this is a staggering amount that most people would not approach, the ideal water intake is quite personal. It depends on factors like your body composition, the climate you live in, your gender, and your activity level. According to a 2019 interview with a doctor on Mytour, women should aim to drink just over two liters (or nine cups) of total fluids daily, while men should target three liters (or 13 cups). Those who exercise, live in hot or dry environments, consume a lot of diuretics (such as caffeinated drinks), or take medications requiring extra water intake may need to consume more.
The great news is that your body will naturally signal when it’s thirsty—and all you need to do is listen. WebMD suggests being “mindful of when your body signals” that it needs water. While trying to meet a specific water consumption goal every day might not be harmful, it’s more beneficial to practice mindful drinking and hydrate only when you feel thirsty.
