Can Drinking Too Much Water Be Dangerous: During summer, we often believe that drinking as much water as possible is the easiest way to keep the body healthy. But is just drinking water enough? A recent case completely changes this thinking. Let us tell you what experts say about this.

What do experts say?

Dr. Rommel Tikku told the Indian Express that a 25-year-old youth kept roaming here and there on a bike in the sun all day. He drank about 5 liters of water to keep himself hydrated, but did not eat anything throughout the day. No fruits, no salty drinks, just plain water, initially he felt slight dizziness and nausea, which he ignored as fatigue. But within a few hours the condition worsened, problems like difficulty in speaking, excessive sleep and confusion started. Investigation revealed that the sodium level in his body had fallen dangerously low. This is called acute hyponatremia.

Why does this happen?

This is not a single case. With the increasing heat across the country, such cases are increasingly coming to light, where people drink a lot of water, but fall ill due to lack of essential minerals. Actually, sweat is not just water, sodium, potassium and other essential elements are also released in it. When these elements keep decreasing from the body and we keep drinking only water, then their balance in the blood gets disturbed. This situation becomes dangerous.

What problem does sodium deficiency cause?

Sodium deficiency is especially dangerous for the brain. When its level falls, the body cells start filling with water, which increases swelling. Initially symptoms like headache, fatigue, dizziness and confusion appear, but if care is not taken, this condition can lead to seizures or unconsciousness. On the other hand, if a person does not drink enough water, the sodium level in the body may increase. This is called hypernatremia, in which the cells of the body start shrinking. Its symptoms can include thirst, dry mouth, irritability and in severe cases even seizures.

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Potassium is also important

Potassium is equally important, but it is often ignored. Its deficiency can cause muscle weakness, cramps and heart beat disturbances. Therefore, in summer it is not enough to just drink water, but it is equally important to maintain the balance of essential elements in the body. Buttermilk, salt-sugar in lemon water, coconut water and a balanced diet help in meeting this deficiency.

Keep these things in mind

Dr. Romel Tikku says that drinking water properly is the real protection. It is important to take breaks from time to time, avoid strong sunlight and not ignore the body’s signals. It is important to understand that the body needs balanced nutrition and not just water. If we ignore this small thing, it can turn into a big problem.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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Heatwave Health Risks: In this scorching heat and intense sunlight, you must have often heard that a person must drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water every day so that the body does not get dehydrated. But what if you come to know that even after drinking 5 liters of water, someone reached the ICU of the hospital? In such a situation, this is surprising. A case reported from Delhi raises the question that just drinking water is not enough. Where despite drinking a lot of water, the condition of a young man deteriorated so much that he had to be admitted immediately. A 25-year-old young man kept drinking about 5 liters of water throughout the day, yet within a few hours his condition deteriorated so much that he had to be admitted to the ICU. This incident shows how important it is to hydrate the body properly in summer.

What happened to that young man?

According to the report, the 25-year-old youth was working on a bike throughout the day in the scorching heat. Like many young people, he also felt that it was right to drink more water. So he filled his bottle frequently and drank about 5 liters of water throughout the day, but he did not eat anything solid. Took no fruits, no electrolyte drinks and no salt drinks. Due to which by evening he started feeling dizzy and feeling like vomiting which he ignored considering it to be fatigue and then gradually his condition started worsening. His speech also slowed down and he started getting confused, after which he was immediately taken to the hospital. Where the doctors examined and found that the level of sodium in the young man’s body had reduced significantly. Normal level is 135–145 mEq/L, but his level had fallen to 124. This condition is called hyponatremia. This happens when salt is lost from the body through sweat and is compensated only by water. Due to this the balance of the body gets disturbed.

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Real reason: Lack of salt in the body

During investigation, doctors found that the level of sodium in the young man’s body had reduced significantly. Normal level is 135–145 mEq/L, but his level had fallen to 124. This condition is called hyponatremia. This happens when salt is lost from the body through sweat and is compensated only by water. Due to this the balance of the body gets disturbed. It’s not just about one person. Across India, where temperatures often reach 44 to 47 degrees in summer, heat-related problems in hospitals are also on the rise.

Why is this situation dangerous?

Sweating is the body’s way of keeping itself cool. When sweat dries from the skin, body heat is reduced and temperature remains regulated. But sweat is not just water. It also contains salt and essential minerals like sodium, potassium and chloride. Sodium is essential for water balance in the body and proper functioning of the brain. When its quantity decreases, water starts entering the cells, due to which the brain cells can swell. Initially, symptoms like headache, fatigue, dizziness and vomiting are seen, but if the condition becomes serious, it can lead to unconsciousness, seizures and coma.

What is the correct way of hydration?

If the lack of water in the body is not compensated properly, the problem may increase further. In summer in India it is often said to “drink more water”, but this is not completely correct. Drinking water alone does not fulfill the deficiency of essential salt and electrolytes in the body. If you drink more water but do not take salt, sodium in the blood may decrease, which can be dangerous. Therefore, not only water, but also drinks which contain electrolytes are necessary, so that the body’s balance is maintained. Like coconut water, lemon water, buttermilk, ORS, fruit juices so that the body keeps getting salt and minerals. Besides, eating on time and protection from sunlight are also important.

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