What happens when you drink too much water?

drink too much water

Are you drinking enough water every day? While it’s important to stay hydrated, drinking too much water can actually be harmful to your health. Let me share why overdrinking water can lead to low blood sodium levels and what you can do to prevent it.

The Dangers of Overdrinking Water During Intensive Exercise

When you engage in intense physical activities, it’s natural to sweat and lose water. Many people make the mistake of drinking excessive amounts of water to compensate for the loss, but this can be dangerous. The kidneys are responsible for excreting excess water from the body, but during intensive exercise, they may not be able to keep up. This can lead to water accumulation in the cells, including the brain cells.

When brain cells become engorged with water, they have no room to expand, and this can result in increased pressure on the skull. The brain stem, which controls vital functions such as breathing, can become compressed, leading to serious health complications. In the worst-case scenario, this can even result in death.

Balancing Water Intake with Sodium

One way to prevent overdrinking water is to balance your water intake with sodium. Sodium helps regulate the body’s water balance, and by adding salt to your water, you can prevent low blood sodium levels. The recommended amount is 1/4 teaspoon of salt per quart of water, which is equivalent to every 4-5 glasses of water.

Not all salt is created equal, and it’s important to choose the right type of salt. Table salt is often heavily processed and lacks essential minerals, so it’s best to opt for Celtic or Himalayan sea salt, which are available at health food stores. These types of salt contain a range of essential minerals and can help keep your body hydrated and healthy.

Related Post: The Water of Life

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