The best way to prevent constipation, regulate body temperature, perform all bodily functions, and flush out waste products is by consuming the proper amount of water.
Check here to learn more about water intoxication in general.
During the hot weather and other seasons, people tend to think that they are not consuming enough of it.
Even if that is the case, you have to find a balance to avoid problems that come with overhydration. Generally, drinking too much water can be toxic and lead to low levels of salt and electrolytes within your body.
Generally, it may lead to the condition when you have low sodium levels, which is the main problem that could lead to intoxication. In case the levels of electrolytes drop too fast, the intoxication could lead to fatality.
Of course, death by water ingestion is rare, but it can happen if you overdo it.
Different Types of Overhydration
- Increased Consumption – This particular problem happens when we drink too much water, much more than kidneys can handle and remove through sweat and urine. It creates diluted bloodstream, which may reduce the amount of sodium and cause intoxication and other issues.
- Retaining Water – On the other hand, retaining means that your body cannot handle amount you consume especially if you drink filtered water or other beverages. We are talking about the symptom of a few medical conditions such as cardiovascular and urological issues, among other things.
Remember that both situations can lead to severe issues and fatality unless you do something about them as soon as possible.
Reasons for Overhydration
You should know that in general, this particular problem happens due to the imbalance of fluids within your body. Generally, your kidneys can handle a particular amount of water. That is the main reason why you should avoid consuming too much at once.
The common cause for this particular problem is overdrinking water or other liquid, which could lead to buildup and inability to remove it in the short run. This particular situation will dilute your blood and remove other substances that are crucial for your wellbeing.
Of course, if you are an endurance athlete such as someone who runs triathlons or marathon, drinking too much water before an event is a great way to improve efficiency and maintain the proper hydration.
However, it is much better to stop during the track to get a single sip because a combination of high-intensity workout does not go hand in hand with high liquid intake.
It is essential to follow particular guidelines that will help you determine the proper amount of liquids that you can consume daily. Healthy adults should consume up to one hundred ounces, which is approximately thirteen cups of fluids on a daily basis.
The number changes depending on numerous factors, including weather conditions, sex, age, overall health, and activity level.
We cannot provide you the exact formula you should consider, which means that during hot summer days and intensive activities, you will need to increase the consumption depending on how much you sweat and lose the fluids in the first place.
On the other hand, if you are a healthy individual, you should check out your urine to determine the hydration status.
Generally, pale yellow urine is the best way to determine whether you’re healthy and in perfect condition. However, darker urine means that you will need liquid intake, while the colorless means that you drank too much.
Athletes tend to get in the risk of overdrinking, which is why you need to follow a logical approach and let the thirst be your guide. Avoid consuming water beforehand or just in case to avoid thirst, but follow your body and replenish it when you need it.
Have in mind that these conditions can lead to overhydration and imbalance of your bodily perspective:
- Liver diseases
- Kidney issues
- Congestive heart failure
- Consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
- Diabetes without proper control and medications
- Diuretics
- Ecstasy or MDMA (find out more about it on this particular link: https://erowid.org/chemicals/mdma/mdma.shtml)
- Schizophrenia meds can lead to excessive thirst
At the same time, you should remember that endurance athletes tend to consume large quantities of liquids during and before the workout. However, overhydration happens to other individuals, including:
- People that run ultra-marathons and marathons
- Endurance cyclists
- Ironman triathletes
- Elite rowers
- Rugby players
- Military members
- Hikers
- People with liver and kidney issues
