It is healthy to stay hydrated and maintain water intake for the smooth function of the body but drinking too much water may cause you serious harm leading to a fixation on hydration, according to health experts.
A nephrologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota Dr Kambiz Kalantari said: “It’s not easy to overwhelm your kidneys. But there are situations in which people are obsessed with drinking water. … We’re talking about 10, 15 liters that overwhelm their kidneys.”
Over-hydration
There is an old saying about how much water one should drink that does not fit every person as there is a difference in physique, activity, and other factors.
According to a recommendation from the National Academy of Medicine, 3.7 liters of water for males and 2.7 for women in a day. This suggestion also includes sources other than only water, such as beverages and food.
On the other hand, the Mayo Clinic recommended drinking 8 cups a day as it is easy to remember and typically keeps hydration levels balanced.
Water intoxication
When the excess amounts of water from the body cannot be removed from urinating or sweating, it causes water intoxication causing hyponatremia, in which the blood’s sodium level is less than normal.
The symptoms of intoxication may include irritability, confusion, vomiting, nausea, and in most critical cases, seizures and comas, or even death, according to Dr Bober.
According to CNN, researchers in their 2022 study theorised that martial artist and actor Bruce Lee lost his life from hyponatremia, citing “high chronic fluid intake,” marijuana use that increases thirst, and prescription drug and alcohol intake that can affect the kidneys.
Dr Bober said: “The emotional support water bottle has its perks, but even drinking water needs to be in moderation — and the reusable bottle should be cleaned regularly.”
Nausea or vomiting
The symptoms of overhydration can look like those of dehydration. When you have too much water in the body, the kidneys can’t remove the excess liquid. It starts collecting in the body, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Weak muscles that cramp easily
When the electrolyte levels drop because of drinking too much water, your body balance goes down. Low electrolyte levels in the body can cause muscle spasms and cramping.
Tiredness or fatigue
Drinking too much water causes your kidneys to work too hard to remove the excess amount. This creates a hormone reaction that makes you feel stressed and tired. If you can’t get out of bed after drinking too much water, it’s because your kidneys are overworking.