It is possible to be overhydrated, although it's much less common than dehydration. Overhydration, also called hyponatremia, occurs when your body has too much water relative to its sodium levels. This throws off the electrolyte balance in your body, which can lead to a variety of problems.
Overhydration symptoms
There are two main ways to get overhydrated:
Drinking too much water: This is most likely to happen in people who are trying to prevent dehydration, such as athletes or people who are in hot weather. However, even healthy people can drink too much water if they're not careful.
Having a medical condition: Some medical conditions, such as kidney disease or heart failure, can make it difficult for your body to get rid of excess water.
Symptoms of overhydration can include:
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Fatigue
Confusion
Muscle weakness or cramps
Seizures
Coma
In severe cases, overhydration can be fatal.
If you think you might be overhydrated, it's important to see a doctor right away. Treatment for overhydration typically involves limiting your fluid intake and, in some cases, taking medication to help your body get rid of excess water.
Here are some tips for staying hydrated without overdoing it:
Drink water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Pay attention to your urine color. It should be pale yellow. If it's dark yellow, you may be dehydrated.
Drink electrolyte-rich fluids, such as sports drinks, if you're sweating a lot.
Listen to your body. If you feel bloated or uncomfortable after drinking water, stop drinking.
It's also important to talk to your doctor about how much water you should be drinking, especially if you have any medical conditions.
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