We’ve all heard the constant reminders about staying hydrated. From social media influencers to our parents, everyone seems to emphasize the importance of drinking plenty of water. But while hydration is undoubtedly essential for good health, it’s crucial to remember that excessive water consumption can be just as dangerous as dehydration.
Is drinking too much water harmful?
“Water intoxication, also known as hyponatremia, occurs when someone drinks an excessive amount of water in a short period, leading to a dilution of sodium levels in the blood,” explains Dr. Tushar Tayal, a consultant internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram.
Sodium is a vital electrolyte that regulates fluid balance within and outside cells. When the kidneys are unable to eliminate excess water efficiently, it can accumulate in cells, causing them to swell.
Here’s what experts say:
Dr. P Venkata Krishnan, a senior consultant in internal medicine at Artemis Hospital in Gurugram, adds that sodium plays a crucial role in nerve signalling, muscle function, and fluid balance. Without adequate sodium, the body struggles to maintain normal cellular function, impacting various organs.
The kidneys have limitations in how much water they can filter per hour, typically around 0.8 to 1 litre. Consuming more water than the kidneys can handle can lead to water retention and diluted blood. As water intake increases, it enters the bloodstream, diluting electrolytes and causing fluid to shift into cells. This cellular swelling can affect all tissues, including vital organs like the brain.
Is water responsible for swelling parts of the body?
While swelling in many parts of the body may not be immediately dangerous, brain swelling can be particularly harmful. The brain is enclosed within the skull, which doesn’t allow for much expansion.
This increased pressure within the skull, known as cerebral oedema, can cause headaches, confusion, seizures, coma, and even death. In extreme cases, water intoxication can be life-threatening, leading to brain herniation and fatal outcomes.
What are the symptoms of water intoxication?
The symptoms of water intoxication can vary in severity, depending on how quickly the condition progresses. Common symptoms include nausea and vomiting, headaches, confusion and disorientation, fatigue, muscle cramps and spasms, seizures, and coma. It’s important to note that these symptoms are primarily a result of brain swelling due to fluid shifting into brain cells.
To determine if you’re consuming too much water, watch for early signs like frequent urination, clear urine, headaches, nausea, confusion, and swelling in the hands, feet, or face. If you suspect water intoxication, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Stopping water intake and seeking emergency medical help to restore electrolyte balance is essential.
In severe cases, diuretics may be used to help the body excrete excess water, and sodium levels must be corrected carefully to avoid complications.
How much water we should drink per day?
The recommended daily water intake varies based on factors like climate, physical activity, and overall health. However, general guidelines suggest men consume approximately 3.7 litres (125 ounces) of total fluids per day, while women should aim for 2.7 litres (91 ounces). It’s important to remember that these amounts account for fluids from all sources, not just drinking water. Overhydration can occur if more water is consumed than the body needs, so listening to your body’s signals, such as thirst and urine colour, is essential.
