How Much Water Is Too Much? 7 Side Effects Of Overhydration!

Most individuals, particularly those who participate in physical activity when the temperature is high, are concerned about not drinking enough water. However, consuming unsafe water is also a risk factor and can trigger many medical conditions Regardless matter how much water you consume, certain situations can cause your body to retain an abnormally high amount of water.

Table Of Contents 

1. What Are The Causes Of Being Overly Hydrated?

2. Signs And Symptoms Associated With Being Overly Hydrated?

3. 7 Side Effects Of Overhydration 

4. The Final Say

5. FAQs

What Are The Causes Of Being Overly Hydrated?

You can become overhydrated in one of two ways: either by drinking an excessive amount of water or having kidneys that retain an excessive amount of water.

In either scenario, excessive water drinking can result in water toxicity, which is also referred to as water poisoning. When this happens, the volume of water in your body exceeds what your kidneys can excrete, which can cause the electrolytes already present in your body to dilute.

Hyponatremia is a condition that can arise if the amount of sodium (salt) in your body is reduced to an unsafe level. This is the primary risk associated with being overhydrated. When there is a significant drop in sodium levels in the body, fluids begin to move around inside the cells, which ultimately results in inflammation.

Signs And Symptoms Associated With Being Overly Hydrated?

It is possible that you will not notice any symptoms of overhydration in the early stages of the condition. Nevertheless, the amount of water in a healthy person's urine is a reliable indicator of how well they are hydrated. Very light yellow urine, almost the colour of lemonade, is a desirable goal. Darker urine means you need more water. Conversely, a sign of being overly hydrated is colourless urine.

Get hyponatremia as a result of water toxicity. According to the source, you will most likely experience the following:

• Feeling queasy and throwing up.
• Changes in mental state, such as confusion or disorientation, can result from headaches caused by pressure on the brain.
• Drowsiness
• Muscle cramps
• In the end, brain cell swelling will cause a malfunction in your central nervous system. Without treatment, you risk developing seizures, falling into a coma, and ultimately passing away.

In healthy people, someone is unlikely to pass away from drinking too much water. Still, it has been known to happen, especially in athletes. In most cases, water toxicity occurs along with an underlying medical condition that causes the kidneys to retain fluid (source), which causes water toxicity.

7 Side Effects Of Overhydration 

Due to the fact that most people are dehydrated rather than overhydrated, water intoxication is not a major daily concern for the average person. However, ToneOp has listed 7 side effects that occur when excessive water is consumed.

1. Causes An Increase In The Size Of The Cells

Osmosis is the process by which water travels into cells through the semipermeable cell membrane due to decreased sodium in the body. Because of this, the cells become more bloated. In addition, the inflammation of the cells throughout the body, including those in the brain, results in severe damage to the organs, muscle tissues, and brain.

2. Overburdens The Heart

People undergoing dialysis are at an increased risk of heart failure if they are overhydrated. The circulation of blood throughout the body is vital for the heart. When you drink excessive amounts of water, it causes an increase in the amount of blood contained within your body. Because of the increased blood volume, the blood vessels and the heart are subjected to unnecessary pressure.

3. The Possibility Of Falling Into A Coma

Coma and, in extreme cases, death can be the result of water intoxication because it causes damage to the brain and other visceral organs in the body. Water intoxication can also cause seiAccording to the source, youes. Because of this, you should notconsume an excessive amount of water in a short period of time.

4. Possible Induction Of Diarrhea

The symptoms of overhydration can include severe diarrhoea and profuse sweating. Hypokalemia, also known as a decrease in potassium ions, is the root cause of this condition. Consuming excessive water can throw off the delicate equilibrium between potassium ions inside and outside of cells. A change of 1% in the distribution of potassium ions can result in a 50% shift in the concentration of potassium ions in the plasma.

5. Causes Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is a decrease in sodium levels that falls below 135 mEq/L blood serum. It is caused by a sudden increase in fluid intake. Sodium is a vital salt that plays an essential role in the body, contributing to various functions, including cell signalling. As a result, when your serum sodium levels drop, you may experience nausea, disorientation, fatigue, or headaches. It can result in death in extreme cases.

6. Frequent Urination

It can be frustrating to urinate frequently, say once every 15 minutes, regardless of whether you are at home, work, or school. This is because your kidneys are forced to work continuously when you consume excessive water. Consequently, you have to dash to the restroom multiple times in rapid succession.

7. Contains The Potential Danger Of Chlorine Overdose

The use of chlorine is essential for drinking water sanitation. However, consuming an excessive amount of water puts one at risk of receiving an excessive amount of chlorine. When this occurs, you put yourself at increased risk for developing colorectal and bladder cancers.

The Final Say

Everyone is aware of the significance that water plays in our overall health and its importance in maintaining proper hydration. On the other hand, consuming an excessive amount of it may also have adverse effects. As was discussed earlier, drinking excessive water can result in hyponatremia and place an undue amount of strain on the liver and kidneys. 

This may cause the cells to swell, interfering with the brain's normal functioning. A possible indication of drinking too much water is tiredness, swollen hands and feet, or weak muscles. Suppose you keep track of how much water you consume daily. In that case, you can reap the benefits of drinking water without worrying about the adverse effects that may result from drinking too much water.

FAQs

1. Can permanent damage be done by drinking too much?

Too much water can make you sick because it dilutes your body's sodium and other electrolytes. This can cause your cells, including those in your brain, to swell. This is a condition that could kill you. It could cause permanent brain damage or even kill you if you don't treat it.

2. Can getting too much water kill you?

Yes, you can die if you drink too much water in the worst case.

3. Can too much water make your blood pressure go up?

People over 65 and those with autonomic failure may have higher systolic blood pressure if they drink too much water.

4. How long does it take to get better after getting too much water?

How well you get better will depend on how bad your symptoms are. You must go to the hospital if you get too sick to drink water. Consult your doctor if you have signs of being too hydrated.

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