Dehydrated or over-hydrated?
Can You Drink Too Much Water?
People are constantly reminded to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated but excessive water consumption in a short time can be life threatening. This fatal condition is called hyponatremia and occurs when the level of sodium is abnormally low. In other words, water intoxication is caused when one drinks gallons and gallons of water at once. However, people are more likely to be dehydrated rather than over-hydrated.
- Drinking too much water unsettles the balance of water in the human body and ultimately affect the sodium level. Sodium plays a crucial role because it helps balance the fluids in and around our cells. If there is excess water in our bodies, the liquid will pervade the cells and make them swell. Swelling in the brain can be fatal if it is untreated by doctors.
Causes of Water Intoxication
- The symptoms of hyponatremia are similar to that of a heart stroke and exhaustion. Few symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. However, it can be difficult to judge if a person is suffering from water intoxication or heat exhaustion because the symptoms are very similar. The patient should receive medical assistance immediately to prevent swelling in the brain, seizures and coma. Injecting concentrated salt water can help alleviate the problems.
Symptoms and Treatment
- Sports drinks are another alternative that can help balance the sodium level when exercising. The electrolytes and sodium will replenish the body and keep the body hydrated. It is still important to keep in mind that drinking any fluids too rapidly can be harmful to the body.
Advice and Prevention
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