Is it Likely to Drink Too Much Water?

Definition

While most of us need to hydrate more, we also need to be careful not to drink too much water. Here are the signs to watch out for so as not to abuse the fresh water.

How Can One Drink Too Much Water?

Nutritionists always encourage us to drink plenty of water to optimize the functioning of our bodies. That is fine, but it should not be abused. We are more attentive to signs of dehydration than to those of hyperhydration.

However, excess water can cause water poisoning, also called hyponatremia. It is an excess of water in the cells caused by an abnormally low sodium level in the blood. In extreme cases, this intoxication can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.

Your Water Bottle Never Leaves You, And You NEVER Go Out Without It

If you always have a bottle of water that you fill up as you go, you might drink too much water. Constantly hydrating the body can lower the level of sodium in the blood and cause swelling of the cells.

According to Tamara Hew-Butler, a professor of exercise science at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, it becomes dangerous when the brain starts to swell. “If your brain swells by 8% to 10%, it will touch the walls of the skull and compress the brain stem,” she warns. Do not hesitate to eat these foods that moisturize without the need to drink water!

You Take Water Without Being Thirsty

The best way to know if the body needs to be hydrated is to be consciously thirsty. “Our body is so programmed to fight dehydration in fear of a deficiency or potential insufficiency that it has developed an integrated prevention mechanism,” says Tamara Hew-Butler.

One of these mechanisms, present in all animals, is thirst. It is the personal alarm of the organization which warns us of a lack. The more water you run out of, the more thirsty you will feel.”

You Drink Water to have Colourless Urine

Your urine should be pale or almost colourless if you drink the right amount. Although most believe that pale urine signals good hydration, transparent urine could also signal hyperhydration. The recommended amount of glasses of water per day is usually 8 to 10. It, of course, depends on the person’s height, weight and physical fitness.

You Urinate Frequently and Even at Night

Getting up often during the night to go to the little corner could indicate overconsumption. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people micturate six to eight times daily. If you exceed ten times, you could drink beyond your needs. You could also have an overactive bladder or drink too much caffeine.

To avoid these nocturnal cravings, take your last glass of water two hours before bedtime to allow your kidneys to filter all the water in your body.

You Feel Nauseous or Vomit

According to Tamara Hew-Butler, the symptoms of overhydration are very similar to those of dehydration. If you drink too much water, the kidneys cannot eliminate the excess fluid that begins to accumulate in the body. As a result, it can cause various uncomfortable symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

You Have Throbbing Headaches All-Day

Headaches are signs of both hyperhydration and dehydration, as are nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. If you drink too much fluid, the blood saline concentration decreases and causes swelling of the cells in all organs. When your salt concentration drops, your cells expand.

If there is excess fluid, your brain swells, and the brain stem touches the skull. This undue pressure can cause throbbing headaches, brain damage, and breathing problems.

Your Hands, Lips or Feet Swell Or Fade

In many cases of hyponatremia, people notice swelling or discolouration of the hands, lips and feet. When all body cells dilate, the skin also swells visibly.

People who drink too much fluid could suddenly gain weight in response to oedema and excess moisture in the blood. For example, suppose you drink more than 10 cups (2.5 L) of it daily and notice swelling or discolouration of your hands, lips or feet. Decrease your intake to soothe symptoms.

Your Muscles Are Weak, and You Have Cramps

Having a healthy body in perfect condition is a matter of balance. Drinking too much water drops your electrolyte concentration, resulting in an imbalance in your body. On the other hand, low levels of electrolytes can cause various unwanted symptoms, such as spasms and muscle cramps. Prevent muscle problems by replacing some of your daily water with coconut water, overflowing with electrolytes and all-natural.

You Suffer from Fatigue or Exhaustion

Your kidneys, which filter the water you drink, also oversee the balance of fluid levels in your bloodstream. Drinking too much water causes the kidneys to strain and induces a hormone stress reaction. As a result, it causes stress and fatigue in your body. If you drink non-stop and have trouble getting out of bed, you may experience the effects of additional and unwanted stress on your kidneys, even though drinking water is good for the body and brain overall.