Have you ever wondered if there’s possible to drink too much water? Or how much is too much? Well, you’ll be happy to know that more people have asked themselves that, and researchers have come up with some theories and key facts about drinking water. In point of fact, developing a disease known as Hyponatremia is the most significant risk associated with consuming an excessive amount of water. This illness is also sometimes referred to as water poisoning, water intoxication, or overhydration.
Continue reading down below.
A generally healthy person’s kidneys are going to be able to regulate that water balance; […] But once the kidneys can’t keep up with excreting water, the body’s sodium levels become more and more diluted. It’s progressive and can be dangerous, explains Eric Adkins, MD, an emergency room physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
How Much Water Is Considered Excessive?
There is no one set of standards that pertains to drinking an excessive amount of water. Instead, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the United States have come up with a recommendation for the number of fluids that individuals should try to consume each day: for men 15.5 cups and 11.5 cups for women. This includes the fluids that come from meals as well as water.
Additionally, the experts recommend that we keep a close eye on our pee. If it’s too dark, like orange or dark yellow, it indicates you’re not receiving enough water. If it’s too light, it means you’re getting enough. In order for it to be completely healthy, you need to make sure that the color is closer to pale yellow.
However, if you discover that you are “drinking so much that it looks like you’re constantly urinating out water” and you are also experiencing other symptoms, it is likely an indicator “that your water intake is too aggressive,” as stated by Adkins. Therefore, this particular symptom is one of the most important indicators that you have been consuming an excessive amount of water.
Remedy for the condition of Hyponatremia
The appropriate treatment will be actually determined by the extent of the problem. If your doctor has reason to think that you have a sodium deficit, he or she will often conduct tests on your blood and urine to figure out your levels. For instance, if a person has a minor imbalance, reducing their water consumption and waiting a few hours may bring their salt levels back to normal. In more severe situations, the treatment may take several days.
It is important to keep in mind that it is necessary to address any concerns about your health with a trained healthcare expert. That way, you’ll have access to the very best medical care!
