ALL of the major systems of your body depend on water to work properly. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps your body to regulate temperature, prevent constipation, flush out waste products, and perform all major bodily functions.
Most people, who exercise in hot weather, are more concerned about not drinking enough water. However, drinking too much water can lead[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ] to overhydration and can be dangerous.
Drinking an extreme amount in a short time can lead to water intoxication or hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a condition in which sodium (salt) levels become dangerously low. When the amount of sodium and other electrolytes in your body become too diluted, it can cause all cells in your body to swell.
It becomes particularly dangerous when your brain starts to swell too. The warning signs of hyponatremia are similar to the symptoms of heatstroke and exhaustion. You might be hot, have a headache, and just feel crummy. Other early symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
So, what is the adequate amount of water a person should drink? For most people, eight to ten glasses of water a day is considered a normal amount. This suggestion varies depending on an individual’s height, weight, and exercise patterns. The best way to know if your body really needs more water is to be consciously aware of whether or not you actually feel thirsty.
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