When Drinking Too Much Water Becomes Harmful

New Delhi. What’s the first thing you reach for, when you are thirsty? Water, right? It’s refreshing, essential for our bodies, and keeps us hydrated. Water that is suitable for human consumption is defined as potable water.

It is safe for ingestion, whether you drink it directly in liquid form or indirectly through food. It is available in almost all the populated areas of the earth. Water is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula H2O.

It is transparent, tasteless, odorless and colorless. It plays a major role in many of our body functions, such as bringing nutrients to the cells, getting rid of wastes, protecting joints and organs, and maintaining body temperature. 

Are you drinking too much water?

It’s important to be aware of whether you are drinking too much water or not. The two simplest ways of to know about the hydration status of your body are to check the colour of urine, and the other is how often you urinate.

If one’s urine is colorless and you urinate too frequently, it may be a sign that you’re drinking more than you need. Other symptoms include things like confusion, drowsiness, and headaches. If this pressure increases, it can lead to causes like hypertension (high blood pressure) and bradycardia (low heart rate). 

If you experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your water intake, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. It is important to listen to our bodies and drink water in moderation to maintain a healthy balance. While staying hydrated is important, on the other hand, drinking too much water can lead to water intoxication.

Is drinking too much water dangerous?

Did you ever think that water, which is essential for our body functions, can also have its side effects if taken in excessive amounts? All the body’s cells need water to function well, but drinking too much water can lead to problems like over hydration, excessive urination, vomiting, and many more.

When we consume an excessive amount of water, it can also lead to a condition called hyponatraemia, which occurs when the sodium levels in our blood become too diluted. It can cause symptoms like nausea, headaches, confusion, and seizures, and in severe cases, it can also be life-threatening.