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Drink Too Much Water
Most people don't drink enough water so the question of whether you can drink too much water rarely comes up. But it is possible to drink too much water, as it is possible to drink too much alcohol. If you are drinking water to compensate for sweating or to stay cool, consider using an electrolyte drink. If you are drinking water to supply the needed fluids for optimal health, monitor your consumption to reflect your environment and level of activity.
Can you drink too much water? Most people do not think so, because doctors advise us to drink more water to help make our bodies healthier and work more efficiently. But it is entirely possible to drink too much water. It has been seen in people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, that it can cause quite a few health problems, and can even be fatal. Learn more about this issue so that you can be more knowledgeable about how much water is safe for you to drink. The thing to remember, however, is that most people will never reach the point of drinking too much water, simply because it is not an easy thing to do.
The amount of water doctors recommend you drink won't cause you harm. The suggested water intake can range from 60-100 ounces a day. It is not the amount of water you drink over the period of one day that's a concern, it's the water consumed in a short period of time that becomes an issue. When water intoxication occurs, it is due to the fact that too much water has been drunk in a very short time period. This can cause the body's cells to swell with excess fluid and alter the body's electrolytes, including sodium. This electrolyte imbalance in addition to the increased pressure on major organs due to excess water intake is what causes severe health symptoms, including coma and death.
The symptoms of water intoxication are much the same as you would see with alcohol intoxication. The increased water consumption and swelling cells put pressure on the brain and nerves, which causes tremors, an altered mental state, and vomiting. These symptoms are much like the ones that you see when you drink too much alcohol.
This issue was thrust into the spotlight due to the untimely death of a young mother. This woman was participating in a water drinking contest. The winner of the contest would win a game system if they drank the most water without going to the bathroom. This young mother drank approximately two gallons of water during the contest and died shortly after the contest in her home. The radio station that was sponsoring the contest really did not think that there was any danger in drinking water, but they were wrong.
Some drugs effect the body to make it think you are dehydrated and have an unquenchable thirst. If care isn't taken, the person taking the drug (usually illegal drugs) can drink too much water in an effort to quench their thirst. Hazards can lurk around any corner when taking drugs.
Other instances where water intoxication is a big issue is in runners. Runners who drink only water during a long and grueling race may run into problems with their sodium levels, because they are not replenishing the electrolytes that they are losing through sweating. This can cause them to start experiencing the symptoms of water intoxication and can cause death if they are not treated.
Infants are particularly susceptible to water intoxication due to their small mass size and the fact that they are dependent upon bottles for their nourishment. Formula or juice that is diluted too much can cause water intoxication.
Yes, it is possible to drink too much water. It is not an easy thing to do, but it is possible. Drinks that help replenish your electrolytes may be a better and smarter choice for you and your body, but you can overdo them too. Be smart about water and water consumption. Your body will thank you for it.
