Water is essential for every cell in the human body, but too much can cause overhydration, a condition that can become serious, he wrote. WebMD.
How much water should you drink per day?
There is no one-size-fits-all formula. Experts say that if you drink water when you are thirsty and your urine is light yellow, you are well hydrated. A general guideline is eight glasses of water a day, but this amount can vary depending on physical activity, climate, health, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
What happens when you drink too much water?
When you drink large amounts of water quickly, you can go from mild overhydration to water intoxication, or water poisoning. This happens when too much water enters your cells, causing them to swell. When your brain cells swell, you may experience confusion, drowsiness, headaches, high blood pressure, or a slow heart rate (bradycardia).
Experts point out that sodium, an important electrolyte that maintains fluid balance in the body, drops when you drink too much water, causing a dangerous condition called hyponatremia.
In severe cases, this can lead to seizures, coma, or death.
Have there been any deaths from drinking too much water?
Yes, but rarely. According to WebMD experts, the most common cases occur in extreme situations like a water drinking contest or after a night spent partying and dancing while sweating and taking the drug called ecstasy.
Who is most at risk?
Overhydration is rare, but can occur in some cases:
During extreme exercise: like marathons, where people drink a lot of water for fear of dehydration.
In certain diseases: such as heart disease, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, diabetes with very high sugar levels, and hormonal problems such as SIADH and Addison's disease.
Signs that you are drinking too much water:
Clear urine
Go to the toilet frequently (more than 8-10 times a day)
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Throbbing headache that doesn't go away
Confusion and brain fog
Swelling or discoloration of the hands, feet, and lips
Muscle weakness and cramps
Extreme fatigue
What about babies?
Babies do not need extra water during the first few months of life, other than breast milk or formula. Drinking too much water can cause irritability, low body temperature, facial swelling, seizures, and excessive hunger. If you suspect water intoxication in a baby, you should contact a doctor immediately.
How much water should you drink?
According to WebMD:
Women between the ages of 19 and 30 should drink about 2.7 liters of water per day.
Men between the ages of 19 and 30 should drink about 3.7 liters of water per day.
If you are active or live in a hot climate, you may need more water.
According to WebMD, under these conditions, women can drink 3 bottles of 1 liter of water per day and men can drink 4 bottles of 1 liter of water per day.
About 2 liters of water is not enough for most people, especially if they have signs of dehydration such as thirst, dark urine, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and tired eyes.
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