What are the dangers of drinking too much water?
You've probably heard that it's recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day. This is general advice, but it's important to qualify this recommendation because, while water is essential in our daily lives, excess hydration can be just as dangerous as a lack of hydration. Discover the risks of overhydration for your health and learn how to address it.
What is hyperhydration?
Overhydration is characterized by excess water in the body. This imbalance occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to eliminate excess water, often due to excessive water intake . Excessive water intake then leads to excessive dilution of electrolytes in the blood , particularly sodium, which plays an important role in regulating the distribution of water between cells and the extracellular environment. A decrease in sodium in the blood, called hyponatremia , disrupts this balance and affects the proper functioning of cells.
The consequences of this dilution can be serious: body cells, including those in the brain, can swell due to this water retention . This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, severe headaches, impaired consciousness and, in some extreme cases, convulsions or coma .
What causes overhydration?
The causes of overhydration are multiple and can be linked to specific behaviors or medical conditions. Some medical conditions , such as kidney or heart disease, aggravate this problem by reducing the kidneys' ability to properly filter water. In addition, certain medications can cause water retention , increasing the risk of overhydration . Finally, during intense physical exertion or in hot weather, excessive hydration may seem necessary; however, it is crucial to adjust your intake according to the body's actual needs to avoid harming your water balance.
What are the mechanisms?
When you drink too much water , your body has to regulate its intake to maintain optimal water balance . The kidneys , which are responsible for filtering the blood and eliminating excess water through urine, can become overworked by this overconsumption of water. If their capacity is exceeded, excess water remains in the body and enters the cells , causing them to swell , a phenomenon that can cause edema in various tissues, including the brain, and lead to the more serious complications discussed above.
What is the difference with dehydration?
Overhydration and dehydration are two opposing states that disrupt the body's electrolyte balance. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in, leading to high sodium concentrations in the blood plasma. This can cause cardiovascular problems, dizziness, and even intense fatigue .
Conversely, overhydration leads to excessive dilution of electrolytes, particularly sodium. This is called hyponatremia . Hypo... what? This word is made up of three Greek roots:
- hypo for "under", it indicates a decrease or a deficit,
- natr for "natrium" meaning sodium,
- emié for "in the blood".
Hyponatremia therefore means a low level of sodium in the blood.
What are the risks associated with excessive water consumption?
An electrolyte imbalance
Sodium and other electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and transmitting nerve signals . Excessive water consumption decreases blood sodium levels, causing hyponatremia . This electrolyte imbalance can lead to fluid retention in body tissues, causing swelling or edema . Associated symptoms include fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in severe cases, seizures or coma .
Stress on the kidneys
The kidneys eliminate excess water from the body through urine . When too much water is consumed, they have to work harder to maintain fluid balance . If they can't keep up, it can lead to water accumulation in the body , increasing the risk of water retention . In the long term, this added stress can make the kidneys less efficient and increase the risk of kidney failure .
Other complications
Excess water in the body can also have serious consequences for the brain . When brain cells absorb too much water, they can swell, causing cerebral edema . This swelling puts pressure on the skull, leading to serious symptoms such as intense headaches , impaired consciousness , and in extreme cases, seizures or coma . These complications require immediate medical attention as they can be life-threatening.
How to identify and prevent overhydration?
Signs and symptoms of overhydration
Symptoms of overhydration may not be immediately apparent and may appear gradually. They include headaches, nausea, vomiting , confusion, general fatigue, and swelling of the limbs. In more severe cases, symptoms such as seizures or coma may occur, which are signs of severe overhydration .
The recommended amount of water
The amount of water to consume each day varies from one person to another, but as a general rule it is recommended to drink around 1.6 to 2 liters of water per day. These needs are not fixed and must be adjusted according to each person's profile. For example, a person practicing intense physical activity , exposed to a hot climate will need more water to compensate for water losses .
Tips for maintaining a healthy water balance
To prevent overhydration , it is crucial to listen to your body and adjust your water intake according to your daily needs . Also, it is recommended to favor a balanced diet that provides essential electrolytes such as sodium, to maintain good hydration. It is therefore important to integrate into your diet, foods rich in water such as fruits and vegetables.
And Hydratis in all this?
Hydratis lozenges help optimize your hydration thanks to their precise composition of minerals and trace elements. They will help maintain the body's water and electrolyte balance and promote the entry of water into the blood and therefore into your body tissues. The lozenges are formulated to help replenish electrolyte stores lost during physical exertion , on days with high temperatures or simply on a daily basis.
Our usage tips:
Simply dilute one Hydratis lozenge in a 250ml glass of water twice a day. This ensures optimal hydration and helps you avoid the dangers of fluid imbalance, especially during periods of intense physical exertion or heat. Thanks to their tailored formulation, the lozenges optimize your fluid intake while maintaining the balance necessary to avoid the harmful effects of overhydration .
Overhydration is a little-known problem, but it is important to pay special attention to it to avoid drowning :) Drinking enough water is essential to maintain good health, however it is equally necessary to do so in moderation! Listen to your body's needs by adjusting your water consumption according to your profile, your activity, the weather conditions, your state of health, you will be able to avoid the risks associated with excessive water consumption. You can carry out your hydration diagnosis online on our website to find out your water needs according to your profile and your sports practice ;)
