Drinking water is crucial for preventing dehydration and keeping the body functioning, particularly in the heat of the summer. But consuming too much over a short period can lead to health problems including disorientation, nausea, vomiting and, in severe cases, seizures or death.
Overhydration could be a growing issue, some researchers say, as more people train for endurance competitions like marathons, heat waves become more frequent and reusable water bottles become a staple of everyday life.
People tend to have this fear that they’re always dehydrated and they need to fix that regularly, by drinking more and more water. That is not the case usually. There is no fixed value on the amount of daily water intake by an individual. It is recommended to drink as per your requirements of thirst, acute and chronic health conditions, weather conditions and physical activity. The colour of urine and frequency of urination gives a fair idea of your hydration status. Ideally it should be clear and slightly pale in colour.
When someone drinks too much water over a short period, it can lead to the dilution of sodium in the blood, known as hyponatremia or water intoxication. More often than not, low blood sodium is a water problem and not so much a salt problem. The condition can grow particularly dangerous when it leads to the swelling of brain cells. The expansion puts pressure on certain parts of the brain and can lead to coma, seizures or death, scientists say.
A healthy adult’s person’s kidneys can manage about one litre of water per hour. When you drink more than a litre of water an hour, that’s when you run into the risk of potentially diluting your electrolytes especially sodium.
The elderly population typically above 60 years of age or those on diuretic medications are particularly at such a risk.
Also, certain health conditions like chronic kidney disease or heart failure patients should exercise caution in their daily intake of water.
If you notice a low blood sodium level in your regular blood tests or face any symptoms, do consult your physician for guidance.