Water is one of the most important things that you can do for your body. But, can you over do it, and if you can how much is too much?
What is Overhydration?
It is very true that all of the major systems in your body depend on water to function properly, but there can be a point when you over consume. Drinking water throughout the day aids in regulating body temperature, preventing constipation, flushing waste, and a lot of other important functions. Most people are concerned with not drinking enough water, but overhydration is a potentially deadly condition, a condition that can throw off the balance between water and sodium in your blood.
Drinking too much water may be rare, but it can lead to hyponatremia. This happens when the sodium in your blood becomes diluted; causing confusion, headaches, nausea, and bloating. In some severe cases, hyponatremia can lead to seizures, organ failure, and even death.
I am sure you have been given some magical number that you need to drink each day. I have heard 8 glasses, I have heard 2 liters, 1 liter, and while all those numbers sound great for some people it could be too much.
Did you know that 20-30% of your water intake can come from foods with a high water content like fruits and vegetables? Water recommendation also depends on your gender, diet, environment, altitude, health, age, and fitness levels.
Men need to drink more water than women because the male body is designed to take more water. An adult male’s body Is 60 to 65% water while an adult females body is 55 to 60% water. Men have more muscle tissue, muscle holds more water than fat.
High sugar and protein diets require a person to drink more water to help your blood dilute the sodium and sugar requiring you to drink more water to help your blood dilute the sodium and sugar so that you can absorb it into your bloodstream. Coffee, tea, soda, and fruit juice contribute to dehydration.
So, how do you know if you are drinking the right amount of water?
Check your urine; if you are peeing a good amount, and your urine is clear, you are hydrated.
How do you feel when you wake up? If you are properly hydrated, you will not feel thirsty.
Choose drinks that are low in sugar, you want something with no more than five grams of sugar per eight ounces. This includes sports drinks and flavored water as well.
Sip water throughout the day, if your body takes in a lot of water too quickly, you trigger the maximum volume response and pee it all out.
Listen to your body, it will let you know how much water that you need. There is no magic number! Be good to your body and it will be good to you.
Sources: organichealth.co
