Drinking Water Can Do You More Harm Than Good By Masturah Balogun

Why you shouldn't take excessive water:

In as much as it is advised to take plenty of water to hydrate our body and Improve blood circulation, over drinking is also not advised.Too much fluid will dilute the amount of sodium in the bloodstream, leading to abnormally low levels, called hyponatremia. Symptoms of hyponatremia may be mild at first, such as a feeling of nausea or bloating. Symptoms can become severe, especially when sodium levels suddenly drop.To avoid hyponatremia, it is important not to outpace the kidneys by drinking more water than they can eliminate. 

So how do we regulate our water Intake? How much water should we take on a daily basis?

I'd be putting this down age-based. Although, sometimes the mass of a persons body may affect their water intake so some people might have to take more, or less.

Adequate daily water intake by age:

1. Children ages 1 to 3: 1.3 L (44 oz.)
2. Children ages 4 to 8: 1.7 L (57 oz.)
3. Males ages 9 to 13: 2.4 L (81 oz.)
4. Males ages 14 to 18: 3.3 Ltr (112 oz.)
5. Males ages 19 and older: 3.7 Ltr (125 oz.)
6. Females ages 9 to 13: 2.1 Ltr (71 oz.)
7. Females ages 14 to 18: 2.3 Ltr (78 oz.)
8. Females ages 19 and older: 2.7 Ltr (91 oz.)

These target amounts include not only water and other fluids you drink, but water from food sources as well. A number of foods can provide liquids. Foods like soups but less obvious items like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products also contain significant amounts of water.

We all need certain amounts of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium in our bloodstream to keep our muscles contracting, nervous system functioning, and body’s acid-base levels in check.When you drink too much water, it can disrupt this delicate ratio and throw off the balance which is, unsurprisingly, not a good thing.

Symptoms of hyponatremia may be mild at first, such as a feeling of nausea or bloating. Symptoms can become severe, especially when sodium levels suddenly drop. Serious symptoms include:

• fatigue
• weakness
• unsteady gait
• irritability
• convulsions

It’s certainly a good idea to drink when you feel thirsty and to choose water as often as possible. Just make sure you pace yourself. “Aim to sip water slowly throughout the day rather than waiting too long and downing an entire bottle or glass at once, Even if your thirst feels unquenchable, resist the urge to chug bottle after bottle. Some people find it helpful to fill a bottle with their recommended adequate intake and drink it steadily throughout the day. This may be especially useful for those who struggle to drink enough, or simply to get a visual of an appropriate daily amount.

Signs you’re properly hydrated

• frequent (but not excessive) urination
• pale yellow urine
• ability to produce sweat
• normal skin elasticity (skin bounces back when pinched)
• feeling satiated, not thirsty.

I hope you learnt something new and beneficial. Hopefully you put it practice ☺️

Till I come your way again, healthy love from Masturah. 🤗