What is overhydration?

Overhydration happens typically when one drinks large amounts of water in a small period of time or the kidney is unable to get rid of the excess water in the body. It leads to the dilution of the sodium in our body, lower to what is crucial for its functioning. This leads to a condition which is known as hyponatremia or water intoxication.

What are some symptoms of overhydration?

Dr Amit Varma, a reputed physician and an expert in all facets of healthcare, explained the concept for an earlier article on FIT . He said:

What causes overhydration or water intoxication?

While one of the primary causes of overhydration maybe drinking a lot of water in short periods of time; some other reasons for overhydration may include: Excess water during intense physical training; such as in army camps. Significant rise in water causing a perceived need to drink water. Inability of the kidney to flush out excess water due to disease. Psychogenic polydipsia - Psychological disorder leading to consumption of big amounts of water. Use of certain drugs.

How can you prevent overhydration?

There are some alternatives to excess water consumption which one can take to prevent overhydration – these include alternating water with electrolytes, such as coconut water, lemonade, buttermilk, etc. especially when one is being exposed to heat.

So, how much water should you actually drink?

According to the National Academy of Medicine, the water in take differs based on one’s gender. It is therefore recommended that men drink approximately 13 cups of water in a day, while women have around 9 cups of water in a day.

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US Woman Dies of 'Water Intoxication': How to Keep Your Water Intake in Check?

While this is a rare consequence of water toxicity, here are some of the signs, symptoms of overhydration.

Aishani Menon

Updated: 09 Aug 2023, 4:41 PM IST

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A 35-year-old US woman, identified as Ashley Summers, reportedly collapsed and died due to what is known as 'water toxicity.' According to multiple media reports, she expressed feeling a sense of 'extreme dehydration', when she was out with her family on 4 July weekend.

Devon Miller, Ashley’s brother told WRTV: "Someone said she drank 4 bottles of water in 20 minutes."

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from fit

Topics: Water Dehydration Drinking Water

Published: 08 Aug 2023, 7:00 AM IST