Hydration is vitalfull stop.
In an attempt to avoid dehydration, though, some people will overdo their water intake.
What are the dangers of drinking too much water?
One way to keep track of your water intake is by looking at the color of your urine.
According to urologistVannita Simma-Chiang, M.D., a light yellow is the ideal pee color.
But if your urine is clear, that’s a sign you’re drinking way too much.
“At that point, your body is just dumping water,” she says.
If this is the case, don’t panic.
It’s notalwaysdangerous to have clear urine, Simma-Chiang says.
However, it is the body’s way of signaling that you’ve had plenty to drink.
Take note of that, and hold off on sipping until you feel thirsty again.
You’re going pee a lot more frequently than normal.
The average, healthy person willpee every three to four hours, Simma-Chiang says.
Any more than that, there’s a good chance they’re overhydrating.
“It’s gotta go somewhere, right?”
Your muscles are cramping.
“A banana with salted peanut butter could be a good option,” she suggests.
You’re drinking when you’re not thirsty.
“But people can take it to an extreme.”
For example, drinking from a gallon water bottle every day is probably too much for the average person.
You’re experiencing more severe symptoms.
“Signs of overhydration include nausea, vomiting, headache, and mental confusion,” Waldrop says.
“Commonly, people can also experience fatigue, muscle cramping, lightheadedness, and dizziness.
In very severe cases, seizure, coma, or death can result.”
How much water should you be drinking?
“Women who are pregnant or nursing will also likely need to drink more fluids.”
Bottom line.
As critical as hydration is, overhydration has its dangers.
