It’s summer and water’s the most refreshing and healthy beverage. But, overindulging in the same can result in serious health consequences.
Water is necessary to keep the body and mind hydrated in high temperatures. You must always look for a major sign of heatstroke when residing in hot regions and try the pinch test to find out if you’re dehydrated – it only takes a few seconds. But how much water is safe to drink?
Doctor’s warning of water intoxication shouldn’t be ignored
Dr. Kunal Sood warns that drinking water excessively in a short period can cause potential death. He talks about the dangers of drinking about six bottles of water in an hour, as it can result in water intoxication.
Consuming three to four liters of water rapidly is said to cause hyponatremia – a condition marked by abnormally low sodium in the body. The Mayo Clinic notes, that drinking excessive water can cause the sodium in your body cells to become diluted.
The swelling of cells can cause several problems on a scale of mild to life-threatening. Dr. Sood uses his video to draw attention to water intoxication and its symptoms, including nausea, headache, muscle weakness, and “in dangerous situations – seizures and even comma.”
He suggests drinking water in moderation and listening to your thirst cues. If you or someone you know has consumed excessive water in a short period, such as an hour, seek medical intervention immediately to restore sodium levels in the body.
How much water should you drink?
Not only does water make up to 70% of your body weight, but it is vital for several body functions. The recommended amount of daily water intake is about 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women.
However, some individuals may need more or less than the average amount of water daily, depending on factors such as exercise, environment, and overall health.
But there are more ways to keep yourself hydrated other than water if you are concerned about consuming it in excess. Several fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and spinach, are said to be almost 100% water by weight.
It is also recommended to consume more water during the first half of the day and limit it by night so you don’t have to wake to empty your bladder in the middle of sleep.
Kunal Sood is a Double Board Certified MD (Doctor of Medicine) with millions of followers on social media. He went to medical school at the American University of Antigua and did his residency from Wayne State University School of Medicine.
