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)
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