How to tell if you’re drinking too much water
On the other hand, since drinking more water has become en vogue, many of us have adopted habits such as drinking a glass or two of water first thing in the morning, and carrying a bottle of water at all times. While experts recommend starting with a half-ounce of water per pound of body weight daily, some people have taken these recommendations too far.
Although uncommon, it’s possible to drink too much water. When your kidneys can’t excrete the excess water, the sodium content of your blood is diluted, which can be life-threatening. Overhydration can lead to low levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which helps regulate everything from your kidneys to your heart function. If you consume too much water, there may not be enough of these electrolytes in your body to keep it functioning properly. Symptoms of overhydration can include headaches, nausea, and muscle weakness. In rare cases, water intoxication can cause swelling in the brain and become fatal.
Keep an eye out for these signs that you’re drinking too much water.
1.) If your lips, hands, and feet are swollen, you may be drinking too much water.
2.) If your urine is colorless, it might mean that you are overhydrated and need to reduce your water intake.
3.) In addition, if you’re getting up multiple times a night to go to the bathroom, you’re probably drinking too much water.
If, after drinking a lot of water, you begin to experience confusion or deliriousness, you should seek immediate medical attention.