Proper hydration is important for body function but too much of a good thing can have adverse effects and can even be life-threatening. Most people follow the advice given by celebrities, who proudly proclaim hydration as their beauty secret.Also Read – Sleep Paralysis: What is Sleep Paralysis? Causes, symptoms and how to deal with them, explained | Watch the video
Nidhi S, founder of Half Life to Health, says, “Drinking too much water puts pressure on your kidneys and leads to water intoxication and electrolyte imbalance. If the kidneys are unable to process the fluid in the body, the fluid will remain inside the organs, causing them to swell. If not corrected, such a condition disrupts brain functions, and can lead to liver and kidney problems and heart failure. She further adds, “In short, excess water removes essential salts such as sodium from the body, leading to hyponatremia, a life-threatening condition commonly experienced by endurance runners and athletes.” Also Read – Benefits of Gourd Juice: Want to lose weight naturally? Add gourd/bottle gourd juice to your diet today – watch video
Yes, too much water is bad for the body and you heard me right! Also Read – Health Benefits of Parwal: Pointed Gourd/Parwal Can Purify Your Blood Top 5 Health Benefits of Eating Nutritious Vegetables – See
Do you drink too much water? Note these signs
- Very pale or clear urine at frequent intervals
- Frequent trips to the bathroom or frequent urge to urinate
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting cause excess fluid to accumulate in the body to reduce pressure on the kidneys
- Fatigue due to excessive strain on the kidneys
- Experiencing weak muscle, cramps due to sodium imbalance
If you are experiencing any or some of these symptoms, you may need to check your water intake to rule out the possibility of overhydration.
So, how much water should you drink?
According to the US National Academy of Sciences, the average person’s water intake should be:
- Man – 3.7 liters per day
- Female – 2.7 liters per day
But, the above recommendation needs to be modified based on climatic conditions like temperature, humidity, activity level and age:
- Lactation/Pregnancy – Water intake should be increased to meet the extra fluid required for breastfeeding.
- Environment – Hot and humid climates demand more water due to high rate of perspiration
- The body’s activity level – fluids lost during activity need to be replaced. The best way to implement it is to take small sips of water during the workout
- Health conditions such as fever and vomiting – increase water intake and add electrolytes to meet reduced salt needs.
A healthy water intake can be easily maintained by listening to your body. Our body gives clear signs of thirst. Drink when you feel thirsty and pay attention to the color of your urine. It should not be dark yellow. If so, try increasing your water intake by two glasses. Bad breath can also indicate that you are not drinking enough water.
You can also use bottles that have markings on them to remind you about water intake and not to overdo it. Additionally, using technology and using reminders on your watch/mobile is also a good idea for busy professionals.
