Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

Hidden Dangers of Drinking Too Much Water

daily Views  

Did you know that you can become addicted to water? It may sound ironic because we generally believe drinking lots of water is good for our bodies. However, just like anything in excess can harm our bodies, drinking too much water can damage our health. Let’s find out what water intoxication is and how to prevent it.

The importance of water in our bodies

Our bodies are constantly trying to maintain balance and keep it that way. Water is one of the most essential nutrients for survival, and if we lack it, it can lead to death. During hot seasons, dehydration can occur, so it is important to drink plenty of water. However, if proper fluid intake is not maintained during dehydration, it can cause dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms.

What is water intoxication?

Water intoxication is when the amount of water consumed in a short period exceeds the amount that the kidneys can excrete. This can happen in situations such as water drinking contests, and even in cases where there are kidney problems, excessive water intake can lead to water intoxication.

What happens when sodium levels in our bodies are low?

When sodium levels in the body are low, it indicates a health problem. First, a sudden increase in pressure in the brain can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness. In addition, fatigue may occur, and in severe cases, seizures, generalized convulsions, difficulty breathing, and even brain edema can occur, leading to death.

High-risk groups for water intoxication

People who are weak or underweight, as well as those with diabetes insipidus, are at a higher risk of water intoxication. People with heart failure, adrenal insufficiency, or liver cirrhosis may develop edema or ascites due to water retention, so they must be cautious about preventing water intoxication. Even ordinary individuals can experience water intoxication, especially those who sweat after intense exercise or work long hours in hot outdoor environments.

‘Hypotonic hyponatremia’ can also occur due to illness

It can occur due to various illnesses

When the sodium and potassium levels in our blood decrease, it sends a signal that there is a health problem. Conditions such as liver cirrhosis, hypothyroidism, and heart failure can cause this.

Symptoms of water intoxication

It is characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms

The balance is disrupted when a large amount of water enters the body. Since the symptoms do not appear suddenly but gradually, it is crucial to seek medical attention if you have any suspicious symptoms. In the first stage, fatigue and edema occur, and headaches accompanied by vomiting and mental anxiety can be mentioned in the second stage. In the third stage, sudden confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness can occur, and in the fourth stage, difficulty breathing can lead to shock.

If you experience symptoms

You should seek immediate treatment

If you experience early symptoms of water intoxication, you should visit the emergency room without hesitation and receive treatment. It is also advisable to reduce water intake and seek the help of experts to replenish minerals, sodium, and electrolytes in the body.

Fruits that can replenish fluids

Drinking ionized beverages

To replenish electrolytes such as sodium and potassium excreted through sweat, eating fruits that can replenish fluids or drinking ionized beverages rather than drinking a lot of water is better. Fruits such as watermelon, melon, and cantaloupe can provide hydration, and appropriate water intake can help reduce the risk of water intoxication.

The easiest way to determine your fluid intake

is through the color of your urine

The easiest way to determine if your fluid intake is appropriate is through the color of your urine. Normal urine color is light yellow, and if it is too dark, it indicates dehydration; if it is too light and almost colorless, it indicates excessive water intake.

Recommended daily water intake

The recommended daily water intake varies slightly depending on body weight, but it is about 2 liters. Instead of drinking it all at once, it is better to divide it into regular intervals and drink a little at a time to reduce the burden on the body. It is advisable to avoid consuming more than 1 liter within an hour.

By. Jeon Shin Young (press@daily.co.kr)

daily
content@www.kangnamtimes.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[LIFESTYLE] Latest Stories

  • Man's Blood Turns Green After Years of Heavy Drinking—His Shocking Diagnosis!
  • Right Way to Clean Your Chopsticks: Experts Reveal Why You're Doing It Wrong
  • Man Wears Contact Lenses for 8 Years, Almost Goes Blind
  • 7-Year-Old Boy Dies After Eating Toxic Mushrooms in Family Dinner
  • Is This the Grossest Beauty Trend Yet? Influencer Uses Poop for Glowing Skin
  • Teen's Facial Paralysis Traced to Overuse of AC—Find Out How Cold Air Can Wreck Your Face

Weekly Best Articles

  • New Electric Sedans and SUVs: Volvo Expands Its EV Lineup with Bold Designs
  • Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Tech for Model 3 and Y Set for 2025—Can It Overcome Safety Issues?
  • California Police Frustrated by Tesla Model 3: Too Cramped, Not Practical
  • Trump vs. Harris: Which U.S. Election Outcome Will Boost Stocks the Most?
  • Kim Sejeong on Kiss Scene Prep: ‘It’s Like Laying the Foundation for a Building!’
  • Kim Tae Ri’s Character Faces Devastating Setback in ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born’
  • Lee Seung Gi Goes Bald! Shocking Change for His Role in ‘About Family’
  • Man Who Sponsored $1.2M to Streamer Juice Se Yeon Says She Blocked Him After Scandals
  • BTS Music Video Star and Tattoo Model Kim Woo Young Remembered 6 Years Later
  • Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features
  • Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles
  • Fiat’s ‘Ugliest Car’ Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist

You May Also Like

  • 1
    Man Who Sponsored $1.2M to Streamer Juice Se Yeon Says She Blocked Him After Scandals

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    BTS Music Video Star and Tattoo Model Kim Woo Young Remembered 6 Years Later

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features

    TECH 

  • 4
    Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles

    TECH 

  • 5
    Fiat’s 'Ugliest Car' Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist

    TECH 

Popular Now

  • 1
    THIS is the Country Jensen Huang Thinks Will Lead the AI Revolution

    BUSINESS 

  • 2
    Volkswagen Shutting Down German Plant for the First Time Ever—Big Layoffs Expected

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    Kim Nam Gil Spills Secrets About The Fiery Priest 2—Why Fans Should Be Excited

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    Google's Tax Tricks: How They Pay Pennies on Billions in Korean Revenue

    BUSINESS 

  • 5
    BJ Juice Se Yeon Deletes ‘Suspicious’ Photo with Kim Haon—Fans Speculate Romance

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Weekly Best Articles

  • New Electric Sedans and SUVs: Volvo Expands Its EV Lineup with Bold Designs
  • Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Tech for Model 3 and Y Set for 2025—Can It Overcome Safety Issues?
  • California Police Frustrated by Tesla Model 3: Too Cramped, Not Practical
  • Trump vs. Harris: Which U.S. Election Outcome Will Boost Stocks the Most?
  • Kim Sejeong on Kiss Scene Prep: ‘It’s Like Laying the Foundation for a Building!’
  • Kim Tae Ri’s Character Faces Devastating Setback in ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born’
  • Lee Seung Gi Goes Bald! Shocking Change for His Role in ‘About Family’
  • Man Who Sponsored $1.2M to Streamer Juice Se Yeon Says She Blocked Him After Scandals
  • BTS Music Video Star and Tattoo Model Kim Woo Young Remembered 6 Years Later
  • Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features
  • Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles
  • Fiat’s ‘Ugliest Car’ Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist

Must-Reads

  • 1
    Man Who Sponsored $1.2M to Streamer Juice Se Yeon Says She Blocked Him After Scandals

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    BTS Music Video Star and Tattoo Model Kim Woo Young Remembered 6 Years Later

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features

    TECH 

  • 4
    Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles

    TECH 

  • 5
    Fiat’s 'Ugliest Car' Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist

    TECH 

Popular Now

  • 1
    THIS is the Country Jensen Huang Thinks Will Lead the AI Revolution

    BUSINESS 

  • 2
    Volkswagen Shutting Down German Plant for the First Time Ever—Big Layoffs Expected

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    Kim Nam Gil Spills Secrets About The Fiery Priest 2—Why Fans Should Be Excited

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    Google's Tax Tricks: How They Pay Pennies on Billions in Korean Revenue

    BUSINESS 

  • 5
    BJ Juice Se Yeon Deletes ‘Suspicious’ Photo with Kim Haon—Fans Speculate Romance

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Share it on...