Contents

• Water in the human body
• Can you drink too much water?
• Too much water in the body – symptoms

We often hear about the importance of staying hydrated. This makes sense, considering our bodies are made up of over 60 percent water. But can you drink too much water? What is overhydration, and what are the symptoms? We answer.

Water in the human body

Water is a component of the entire organism. It builds all tissues, from organs such as the liver, lungs, kidneys (which are over 80% water), and the brain to bones. It is necessary for regulating body temperature and transporting nutrients. It is essential for proper vision, the renewal of synovial fluid, and brain protection.

The body needs to be hydrated throughout the day – that's clear. It's estimated that an adult should drink up to 2 liters of water daily. Does that seem like a lot? Yes, but keep in mind that it's also found in food. Much also depends on our level of physical activity. Specific water needs depend on our lifestyle, age, weight, and the season. The body's water content fluctuates with age, ranging from 75% in infancy to about 50% in old age.

But what happens when there is too much water in the body?

Can you drink too much water?

Drinking too much water isn't a common problem. Most people don't consume enough fluids during the day. However, if you find yourself listlessly drinking another glass of water, forcing it down, it's worth considering it as a signal from your body.

Consuming large amounts of water in a short period of time can be dangerous for the body. The result can be a condition known as overhydration or water intoxication. Excessive water consumption leads to blood thinning and thus a drastic drop in sodium levels in the blood. This can cause headaches, fatigue, and abdominal pain. If this condition persists over a longer period, it can even put the brain at risk.

It's generally accepted that you shouldn't drink more than three glasses (250 ml each) of water per hour. To become overhydrated, you would need to consume a serving of 6 liters of water each hour.

Too much water in the body – symptoms

Adding too much water to the body has the opposite effect to its intended purpose. Instead of hydrating the body, we stimulate the kidneys, urinary tract, and circulatory system to work harder, thus depriving the body of valuable substances and minerals. Too much water in the body, especially in a short period of time, can be dangerous, particularly for the functioning of the nervous system and brain.

What indicates that there is too much water in the body? There are several main symptoms:

• Tiredness and drowsiness,
• Headache,
• Nausea and indigestion,
• loss of appetite,
• muscle cramps,
• frequent toilet visits,
• colorless urine,
• Swelling of the hands and feet.

Athletes, in particular, should be careful about excessive water intake. If you want to hydrate your body during physical activity, it's worth using not only plain water, but also isotonic drinks and vitamin complexes , which could be excessively flushed out of the body. A large portion of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet should help reduce thirst.

However, water should be consumed regularly throughout the day, ideally before we feel thirsty. Adequate hydration is essential to staying focused. Therefore, rehydrate regularly, especially when working or exercising.