How much water is too much water? Read ahead to know more.
It’s always advised that we need to keep ourselves hydrated at all times. Our bodies are 40-60% water, and hydration is essentially required to keep our body flowing and organs working systematically.
Drinking water keeps us hydrated, regulates our energy level, purifies and flushes out the toxins from our body, and helps with digestion. But there are times when too much consumption of water and increased level of water percentage in our body and can naturally disrupt our health and have adverse effects on the same. The kidney can only remove 0.8-1.0 liters of water per hour, and a high water intake can derange the body’s electrolyte balance.
It is unlikely for anyone to drink too much water, but the chances are never zero, and it can lead to water intoxication that includes confusion, disorientation, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, water intoxication can also cause swelling in the brain, which can be fatal.
Water intoxication is a condition where brain function is disrupted due to drinking too much water. Drinking too much water, especially in a short time period, can increase the water level in the blood and dilute the electrolytes, especially sodium, in our bodies. When sodium levels fall, the water outside the cell tends to move inside the cell as a result of osmosis, causing the cell to swell. This same process is practiced for brain cells as well, and when that happens, it is life-threatening.
6 side effects of drinking too much water
- Double vision
- Inability to identify sensory information
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased blood pressure
- Muscle weakness or cramping
- Confusion
How much water is too much water?
Water intoxication is likely more common for people who are athletes or taking part in sports events, military training, or people who have various mental health conditions. Other factors and reasons for drinking too much water may include recreational drug use, people with schizophrenia (thirst being the common side effect of certain medications), and people with eating disorders. However, the amount of water is not the only factor for water intoxification. Time also plays a vital role in it.
The most common mistake in the mentioned condition is that the symptoms of this disruption are very similar to that of dehydration, so the condition often goes unnoticed. So, all of us have to look out for our water consumption routine and keep tabs on the conditions following. Moreover, taking a few precautions won’t do any harm, such as not drinking excessive water in a short span of time. Instead, drink water in a moderate amount at regular intervals and enjoy the benefits of this tasteless magic elixir.