We all know the possible health problems brought on by being dehydrated, but can you ever be overhydrated?
Over-hydration occurs when someone drinks too much water which affects our electrolytes. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and calcium) need to be in balance in order to maintain healthy blood, heart rhythm, muscle function and other important functions. Drinking too much water, can cause the electrolyte levels in the body to get out of whack and cause sodium levels plummet. The nerve and heart issues that occur with over-hydration can be deadly.
Though it doesn't happen very often (there have only been 14 confirmed over-hydration deaths), all have occurred in athletes. Either under the impression that over-hydration will lead to better performance or simply trying to prevent dehydration, athletes who drink too much water end up hyponatremic (with low sodium). Even sports drinks which contain some sodium are mostly made of water and consuming too much can lead to the same issues.
For most people, dehydration is the much greater issue. However, if you suspect you may be overhydrated, look for symptoms like cloudy thinking, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, spasms or cramps and headaches. In severe cases symptoms could include mental confusion, seizures, unconsciousness and even coma. The first treatment is to stop drinking fluids which will help someone recover in a few hours. However, with more severe symptoms, immediate medical attention may be necessary.
To prevent overhydrating, use your thirst cues and urine color as a guide. Drink water when you are thirsty and until your urine is light yellow to clear. Avoid drinking more than 1 liter of fluid per hour which will allow your kidneys to get rid of excess water. If you are experiencing excessive thirst, tell your primary care doctor right away, as this may be a symptom of another serious health issue.
The symptoms of overhydration can look like those of dehydration. When you have too much water in the body, the kidneys can't remove the excess liquid. It starts collecting in the body, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.Throbbing headaches all through the day.
For most people, dehydration is the much greater issue. However, if you suspect you may be overhydrated, look for symptoms like cloudy thinking, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, spasms or cramps and headaches. In severe cases symptoms could include mental confusion, seizures, unconsciousness and even coma.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO DRINK TOO MUCH WATER? The answer is yes, but it would take far more than a gallon per day to do you harm. Hyponatremia, or water intoxication, can result if you consume enough water to the point that you begin to dilute the level of sodium in your blood.
feeling unusually tired (lethargic) or confused, and you think you may be dehydrated. dizziness when you stand up that doesn't go away after a few seconds. not passing urine for eight hours. a weak pulse.
Lemonade-Yellow Urine: When you're in that sweet spot of optimal hydration the color of your urine should be lemonade yellow. Paler than that and you're really saturated on hydration and darker urine means you need to increase your fluid intake.
Electrolyte loss is related to water intoxication as the excess water dilutes the body's natural storage of salts, including electrolytes. Certain high-TDS mineral waters or sports drinks can help athletes replace electrolytes if they suspect they are over-hydrated during physical activity.
The skin turgor test involves grasping the skin on the lower arm or abdomen between two fingers and then releasing it after a few seconds. Hydrated skin will rapidly return to its normal position, while dehydrated skin will remain in a “tented” position and take much longer to bounce back ( 9 ).
Water aids the digestive system, helps prevent constipation, flushes toxins from the body, promotes good kidney function, keeps your joints and muscles lubricated, supports healthier and younger-looking skin, and helps regulate body temperature.
Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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