Excessive intake of water calls for danger

Water is the ultimate source of life and wellness but do you know that unconscionable intake of water can culminate into over dehydration. In certain cases salt levels, or sodium, in your blood can drop too low, resulting in a condition called Hyponatremia. It is advised by doctors, dieticians and fitness trainers to drink an adequate amount of water in scorching heat or after heavy exercise. The problem arises when you consume superfluous liters of water in a short span of time. Since our Kidneys can only expel about half a liter at most an hour, too much of drinking at a faster pace does not allow the Kidneys to drain the excess from the body and leads to water intoxication. Water is good for you, as long as you do not over drink it.

What is the primary cause of water intoxication?

The primary cause for such a condition is the imbalance of sodium levels in your body. Sodium plays a vital role in maintaining a balance of fluids in and around your cells. When you drink more water than the body's actual need, it causes an imbalance, and the liquid moves from your blood to inside your cells, making them swell. Swelling of the brain is serious and requires immediate clinical attention.

Overhydration can cause Hypokalemia or a decrease in potassium ions. The balance between intracellular and extracellular potassium ions is hampered when you drink too much water. The main idea is to remain hydrated, not dehydrated as there is also a risk of chlorine overdose and when that happens, you will be at the risk of developing cancer. When you consume too much of water, it increases the volume of blood inside your body. This increased blood volume exerts unnecessary pressure on the blood vessels and the heart, leading to seizure in some cases.

Symptoms of Hyponatremia:

Experience Headaches: It can happen due to dehydration or overhydration. In case of Hyponatremia, the headaches are caused due to the swelling of brain cells

Feel nauseated: You feel a bit woozy and vomiting. This happens when the kidneys are overloaded and stop flushing out water from the body

Exhaustion:  You will feel tired and fatigued if you drink too much water

Muscle cramping: The electrolyte balance in the body is hampered leads to muscle weakness

Frequent urination

Swelling of hands, feet, and lips

Diarrhea

Prevention from Over hydration or water intoxication:

Take immediate help from a doctor in case of experiencing these symptoms. Patients suffering from a Kidney ailment or diabetes should consult a doctor to check the measurement of water consumption each day.

Reduce the intake of excessive water. Don’t drink way more than you sweat out

Sports drinks have sodium and other electrolytes. But excessive intake of liquid of any kind too fast can cause issues.

Stop taking any medication that is causing water retention in the body.

A doctor may administer sodium to help bring back the balance in your body fluids.