Effects of Overhydration

Why Should a Person Drink Water Daily?

Water is one of the body's most essential and principal components. About 50 to 70 % of the human body weight is water. It can be said that the body depends on water for its survival. Every body cell, tissue, and organ requires water to carry out its metabolic and biochemical activities. Therefore, it is crucial to stay hydrated for health and well-being. However, it has been noticed that people do not consume enough water daily and are more likely to suffer from diseases. The body's equilibrium gets disturbed when a person does not drink water. As a result, he suffers from a condition known as dehydration. So, everybody must drink adequate quantities of water because it provides the following health benefits:

• The cartilage around the joints comprises 80% water, so water helps lubricate joints. Dehydration impacts the shock-absorbing capacity of the joints and discs.

• Water forms the saliva and mucus, which keeps the mouth, eyes, and nose moist. Dehydration can cause dryness in the eyes and mouth.

• Water helps deliver oxygen through the body because 90 % of blood is made of water, so when blood circulates, all the organs get oxygen.

• Water makes the skin beautiful and healthy. However, dehydration causes the skin to dry and makes it vulnerable to dermatologic diseases.

• Water cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other delicate body tissues. Staying dehydrated for prolonged periods impacts the brain's activities, reducing the production of hormones and neurotransmitters.

• Water regulates the body temperature and gets released as sweat when the body gets heated up.

• The digestive system depends on water for bowel movements. So, dehydration impacts the digestive system and causes problems like stomach acidity and constipation.

• Water is required by the body to flush out toxins and waste products.

• Airways get constricted without water, making the person more prone to asthma and other respiratory diseases.

• The essential minerals and nutrients dissolve in water and circulate throughout the body tissues.

• Water prevents kidney damage as dehydration increases the risk of kidney stones.

• Studies have reported that drinking water during exercise enhances performance and provides energy to perform strenuous activities.

• Water is an essential element that helps in weight loss. In addition, drinking water before meals helps prevent overeating.

How Much Water Should One Drink Daily?

The amount of water required by the body varies from one individual to another. For example, physically active people who sweat a lot might need more water than sedentary people. Therefore, there is no fixed value related to the amount of water one should drink, but a general agreement exists on the healthy fluid intake values. As per the study reports, the recommended daily intake of water from both food and drinks is listed below:

• For Males - Around 3.7 liters.

• For Females - Around 2.7 liters.

This value suggests that males should drink 15.5 cups water and females should drink 11 cups. Around 80 % of the water would be derived from foods and drinks, so males must drink 100 ounces, and females must drink 73 ounces daily. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and nonalcoholic fluids also count toward the daily recommended water intake. It is most important to drink water under the following circumstances:

• Fever.

• Hot weather.

• Diarrhea and vomiting.

• Strenuous and physical activities.

What Is Water Intoxication or Drinking Too Much Water Daily?

Every cell and tissue in the body requires water for correct functioning. However, the problem arises when a person drinks too much water or stays overhydrated. Though it is difficult to drink too much water accidentally, it can sometimes lead to serious health consequences. When a person drinks excess water, the minerals, salts, and electrolytes present in the body get diluted, resulting in a condition known as hyponatremia. People might experience general symptoms of water intoxication like headache, drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, vomiting, and nausea. Sometimes, water intoxication can cause swelling in the brain and becomes lethal. Water intoxication, also known as water poisoning, disrupts the functions of the brain and other body parts. Sodium levels fall in case of excess water consumption leading to a disturbance in the fluid and electrolyte levels of the body.

What Are the Different Types of Water Intoxication or Overhydration?

The two main types of water intoxication or overhydration are listed below:

• Increased Water Intake - It occurs when a person drinks more water than the kidneys can remove. As a result, a large amount of water gets collected in the bloodstream.

• Water Retention - It is a condition in which the body is unable to get rid of excess water as the person is suffering from some underlying medical conditions. It is dangerous because the sodium and water levels get disturbed.

What Are the Causes of Water Intoxication or Overhydration?

Water intoxication or overhydration is a rare situation because no one tends to drink more water accidentally. However, as per the medical reports, a few patients died due to water intoxication. The following are the causes of water intoxication or overhydration:

• Extreme heat.

• People involved in sports activities, especially athletes, drink a lot of water which disturbs the electrolyte balance of the body.

• Fever and other illnesses.

• Soldiers and people undergoing military training get exhausted and drink plenty of water leading to overhydration or water poisoning.

• People with psychological disorders like psychogenic polydipsia have the habit of compulsive water drinking and tend to drink excessive water.

The following conditions allow the body to retain more water and fluids:

• Schizophrenia.

• Congestive heart failure.

• Liver and kidney diseases.

• Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone syndrome.

• Uncontrolled diabetes.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Who Is at a Higher Risk of Drinking Too Much Water or Staying Overhydrated?

Overhydration is a common scenario among endurance athletes who drink plenty of water before and after exercise. The other people who are at risk of overhydration are listed below:

• People who take part in marathons and ultramarathons.

• Ironman triathletes.

• Endurance athletes.

• Rugby players.

• Hikers.

• Elite rowers.

• Members involved in training activities.

What Symptoms Occur When You Drink Too Much Water?

When a person drinks plenty of water at one time, the cells present in the brain swell, and the intracranial pressure increases (pressure inside the skull). The initial symptoms of water intoxication or water poisoning are listed below:

• Headache.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Mental confusion and disorientation.

Severe cases of water intoxication or overhydration can produce the following symptoms:

• Drowsiness.

• Muscle weakness and cramping.

• Hypertension.

• Confusion.

• Double vision.

• Respiratory difficulties and inability to identify sensory information.

How Is Overhydration Diagnosed and Managed?

The doctor will mainly ask for the patient's medical history and examine the symptoms by physical examination. They might also ask the patient to undergo blood tests and urine tests. The lab technician will draw a small amount of blood from the patient's vein during the blood test. This blood sample will be analyzed in the laboratory, and a blood report will be sent to the patient. People who are overhydrated are more likely to exhibit low sodium levels. A urine test is a simple procedure in which the patient collects the urine in a container and sends it to the laboratory for examination. Usually, overhydrated people show diluted urine. The treatment of overhydration depends upon the symptoms and their severity. The following methods help manage overhydration:

• Restricting the fluid intake.

• Take diuretics as they increase urine output.

• Get treated for the underlying medical condition that caused overhydration.

• The doctor might ask the patient to stop the medications that cause the problem.

• Sodium replacement therapy in severe cases.

Conclusion:

Water is one of the body's essential minerals, and doctors often advise drinking plenty of water daily to stay fit and hydrated. However, just like food, water must be taken in moderation because anything in excess can lead to severe adverse reactions. However, water makes a person fit, healthy, and active. It flushes away the bacteria from the body and protects against diseases; it should not be consumed excessively. The recommended daily water intake differs for every individual, and one should know the amount of water he needs to drink. People involved in sports activities must remain careful and not consume a large amount of water at one time. Consult the doctor to know the right amount of water you should drink.