Published By: Nirtika Pandita

How is overhydration a growing problem?

Now before you start drinking waterunnecessarily, think and then proceed

It is a known fact that the human body consists of 70 percent of water, hence it is always advised to keep one’s body hydrated. Even a slight decrease in the water content in the body can lead to certain disturbances in the body. Dehydration often leads to an increase in the risk of muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, constipation, and heat stroke during exercise or otherwise. In fact, even during mild or cold weather dehydration can lead to high body temperature internally causing problems. Even if not the simple classic plain water, juices and energy fluids too contribute to keeping the body hydrated just like water does.

However, there have been cases emerging where over-hydrating the body has led to certain difficulties. There have been studies showing that too much water can be very dangerous. There is no doubt that hydration is good for the body but overhydration can be hazardous.

So what exactly happens when one drinks too much water

According to various studies and reports, by drinking too much water one may experience water poisoning, intoxication, or a disruption of brain function. These conditions take place when the water content is higher than the required levels in the cells, including brain cells. This causes them to swell, and when the cells in the brain swell they cause pressure. Often people have been said to experience confusion, drowsiness, and headaches due to excess water. As per the experts, such a pressure increase could cause conditions like hypertension aka high blood pressure or low heart rate.

In fact, due to a high amount of water in the body the level of Sodium – a crucial element that helps keep the balance of fluids in and out of cells – levels drop leading the fluids to get inside the cells. That is when the cells swell, putting one at risk of seizures.

These are signs to lookout for over-drinking water

The obvious would be too many bathroom trips, more than usual. This is the topmost simple sign of understanding that too much water has been consumed. On average, one urinates six to eight times a day and up to 10 times is normal for water-drinking high achievers or people who regularly drink caffeine or alcohol.

Drinking water unnecessarily even when your body doesn’t ask for it is another sign of overhydration. Be more aware and listen to your body’s needs, when it needs water and when it doesn’t. Remember, thirst is the body’s response to dehydration.