Recently, I have been frequently asked about the benefits of consuming a large amount of water. To give you an idea of the volume in question, a normal level of water consumption for an adult is considered to be 8 glasses per day. This fluid intake recommendation is not supported by specific research; it is simply an approximate value that is commonly suggested. And this volume includes all fluids that enter the body throughout the day.
Indeed, people often drink less water than is necessary for their bodies. However, paradoxically, excessive water consumption can also be harmful. This condition is called hyperhydration. The dangers of this condition are often not discussed because people more commonly drink too little rather than too much. So, let’s talk about it.
What is hyperhydration?
Hyperhydration refers to an excessive amount of fluid in the body, where the water content in the tissues and cells exceeds the normal level.
Hyperhydration can be caused by various factors:
- Excessive fluid intake
- Intravenous administration of a large volume of fluid in a short period
- Disruption of the normal balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body
In some cases, hyperhydration may be desirable, such as before intense physical exertion or sports competitions when it is necessary to increase the body’s fluid reserves to maintain hydration and optimal organ function. However, it should be done under the strict supervision of specialists, as even healthy individuals can experience serious health problems in the process.
At the same time, in certain medical conditions, such as heart failure or kidney failure, hyperhydration can pose a serious threat to life and health.
What is dehydration?
Dehydration is the process of losing an excessive amount of water from the body. It can occur due to various reasons, including intense physical activity, increased fluid loss through sweating, vomiting or diarrhea, inadequate water intake, overheating of the body, or a combination of these factors.
When to be mindful of hyperhydration
Most people, especially those who engage in sports in hot weather, are concerned about not drinking enough water and the risk of water deficiency or dehydration. However, there is also a risk of drinking too much water, which can lead to hyperhydration. This can happen when the amount of water in the body exceeds the kidneys’ ability to excrete it, potentially resulting in a dangerous imbalance of electrolytes.
What does an imbalanced electrolyte balance lead to?
During hyperhydration, electrolytes in the body become diluted due to excessive water intake. Imbalanced electrolyte levels can cause various problems and symptoms, depending on the specific electrolyte. Here is a list of symptoms and their corresponding hypo-electrolytes:
- Headaches (sodium);
- Fatigue and weakness (sodium, potassium, magnesium);
- Impaired concentration and memory (sodium);
- Irritability and mood changes (sodium);
- Muscle cramps and spasms (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium);
- Confusion and drowsiness (sodium);
- Low blood pressure (sodium, potassium, calcium);
- Constipation and digestive issues (potassium);
- Muscle weakness (potassium, magnesium);
- Tingling sensation in hands, legs, or face (calcium);
- Anxiety or irritability (calcium, magnesium);
- Nervousness and irritability (magnesium);
- Drowsiness and fatigue (magnesium);
- Disrupted heart rhythm and arrhythmias (potassium, calcium, magnesium).
These are just some of the symptoms associated with hypo-electrolytemia. It’s important to remember that symptoms can vary depending on the degree and type of electrolyte imbalance, which is the combination of electrolytes diluted to dangerously low levels.
Finding the balance between hyperhydration and dehydration
All major body systems rely on water for normal functioning. Having an adequate amount of water helps the body:
- Regulate temperature;
- Maintain normal gastrointestinal function;
- Eliminate toxins from the body;
- Perform all essential bodily functions, since our bodies consist of 60-75% water (higher in newborns and lower in elderly individuals).
What symptoms occur with hyperhydration?
In the early stages of hyperhydration, symptoms may go unnoticed. However, urine is a good indicator of hydration levels in a healthy body.
Yellowish urine is considered normal. Darker urine indicates insufficient hydration. Colorless urine indicates excessive hydration. Hyperhydration can lead to the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting, gastrointestinal upset;
- Disrupted heart rhythm, increased blood pressure, and even heart attack (due to electrolyte imbalance);
- Headaches due to excess fluid pressure on the brain;
- Altered mental state, such as confusion or disorientation;
- Fatigue and weakness;
- Thirst, edema (swelling);
- Drowsiness;
- Muscle cramps;
- Decreased frequency of urination.
As you can see, the list of symptoms largely correlates with the list of symptoms of electrolyte deficiency.
What can prolonged hyperhydration lead to?
Ultimately, cerebral edema can result in the dysfunction of the central nervous system. Without treatment, you may experience seizures, fall into a coma, and die. Death from excessive water consumption in healthy individuals is rare but can occur, especially in athletes.
Usually, water toxicity occurs in the context of an underlying medical condition that causes fluid retention in the kidneys. However, as you may have already understood, the kidneys also have a limit to how much they can process within a given time frame.
How is hyperhydration treated?
The treatment depends on the presence of symptoms of water toxicity and the underlying cause of the condition. Treatment may include:
- First and foremost, reducing fluid intake within a given time frame and reassessing the volume of fluid consumed throughout the day;
- Taking diuretics to help eliminate excess fluid from the body;
- Treating the condition that caused the hyperhydration can also help improve the situation;
- Discontinuing the use of medications that contribute to hyperhydration-related issues (e.g., certain medications);
- Restoring the electrolyte balance in the body.
How can hyperhydration be prevented?
Hyperhydration can be prevented by following water consumption recommendations based on your physical needs. It is important to listen to your body and drink water as thirst dictates, but not exceeding the recommended amount.
It is not advisable to consume a large volume of water at once; instead, replenish water loss with small sips.
However, if you have any medical conditions or issues with your kidneys, heart, or other body systems, it is recommended to discuss your fluid needs with a doctor. Certain conditions may pose a risk of hyperhydration even with the usual recommendation of drinking 8 glasses of water per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amount of water consumption per day can lead to hyperhydration?
Healthy adult kidneys can remove about 1 litre of water per hour. Although there is no specific amount of fluid that can cause hyperhydration in individuals, it is recommended not to drink more than what your kidneys can process.
Kidneys in children and elderly individuals may be less efficient in removing water, so it is advisable to consult a doctor regarding the optimal amount.
Can hyperhydration cause permanent harm?
Consuming excessive amounts of water can cause water toxicity by diluting sodium and other electrolytes in the body, leading to cellular edema, including brain cells. This is a potentially dangerous condition. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible brain damage and death.
How long does it take to recover from hyperhydration?
Your recovery will depend on the severity of the symptoms. You may even require hospitalization for complete recovery.