TOO MUCH WATER??!

Two summers ago, I was drinking yet another bottle of water while on a FaceTime call with two of my friends when they began to complain that I drank way too much water. I laughed it off because it seemed so ridiculous, we’re advised to drink as much water as possible. I’m sure so many ladies can relate to that. They say to have flawless skin, drink water; for better weight loss, drink water…et cetera. So I don’t think anyone would at that point blame me when I thought there was absolutely nothing like “too much” water. Well, that was until a few days ago when I learnt in a discussion that just like there is DEHYDRATION, there is also something called OVERHYDRATION.

Yes my love, it does exist. I was as shocked as you are when I learnt about it. 

OVERHYDRATION is basically an excess of water in the body. Let’s break down this way…All the major systems of your body depend on water to properly function. When one drinks an adequate amount of water, it helps your body flush out waste products, regulate its temperature, prevent constipation as well as perform all major bodily functions. A lot of people who exercise especially in hot weather, are more concerned with not drinking enough water. However, drinking too much water can also be dangerous. Overhydration can occur when people drink much more water than their body needs. That is, when the body takes in more water than it brings out. Overhydration can lead to water intoxication, this occurs when the amount of salt in your body become too diluted.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT I AM OVERHYDRATED? 

The color of your urine is a good indicator of your hydration status. Pale yellow urine that looks like lemonade is a good goal. A darker urine means you need more water. Colorless urine means you are overhydrated. Although it is more common with people whose kidneys do not pass out urine normally such as, people with a disorder of the heart, kidneys, liver, or premature infants with immature kidneys, normal people with normal kidneys can also be overhydrated. Athletes are at highest risk for overhydration. 

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE DAMAGES OF OVERHYDRATION? 

Overhydration although overlooked can lead to the following: • Coma • Seizures • Muscle cramps • Unconsciousness • Death. Although it is rare, too much water aka Overhydration can lead to death.

WHAT NOW? If you have noticed that you have clear urine, it’s best that you cut back on liquid for a while. No I don’t mean die of thirst, just reduce water intake till urine color is regulated. Then maintain the adequate water level for the body. As an athlete, or gymnast of some sort, it is best you take 2 to 4 cups of fluid per hour. And if you are exercising longer than an hour, sports beverages are also an option. These beverages such as Lucozade Boost contains sugar and needed sodium and potassium which can easily be lost through sweat. Also, let your thirst guide you when exercising. If you’re thirsty, drink more.

So there you go my loves, this is basically educating us on the need of moderation in our intake of water. I hope we’ve picked one or two things on this beautiful day. Have a lovely week. Stay Blessed.