Is There Such Thing as Drinking Too Much Water?

It has been common advice to drink enough water for the body to function properly. Water has a vital role in our overall health; it flushes bacteria from the bladder, normalizes blood pressure, prevents constipation, and maintains electrolyte balance, among others.  

The old catchphrase “too much of everything is bad” also applies to hydration. You should consider the following when it comes to the amount of water intake you should consume: 

  • Level of activeness: any strenuous physical activity causes sweat. Your body would need to replenish the fluids it loses.  
  • Weather temperatures: hotter conditions will make you thirsty faster than usual.  
  • Age: older people do not get thirsty as often as they did when they were younger. However, if they have a health condition and use a medication that causes fluid loss, it may be a problem.  

SOURCE: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink  

 

Can I Drink Too Much Water?  

Drinking too much water is called overhydration. It happens when you drink too much water, or your kidneys cannot retain too much water.  

Some of the symptoms of overhydration include:  

  • Nausea and vomiting  
  • Headache due to pressure in the brain area  
  • Confusion or disorientation  
  • Muscle cramps  
  • Drowsiness  

When it comes to drinking water, there is no one size fits all. Experts suggest that males drink 15.5 cups of water a day, while women should drink 11.5 cups of water daily. However, it still depends on your overall health status.  

Some health conditions that can cause your body to retain water are: 

  • Congestive heart failure  
  • Liver disease  
  • Kidney problems  
  • Uncontrolled diabetes  
  • Thyroid disease  
  • Taking non-inflammatory drugs and antidepressants  

To be more aware of your health status, consult your doctor. Read more health tips at https://icare.com.ph/  

 

  

SOURCE:  

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day#weight-loss  

https://www.healthline.com/health/overhydration#causes  

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink  

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