Health care experts constantly remind us to drink plenty of water as it helps to hydrate the body. Although water helps to keep the body hydrated, too much of water can also cause the problem of over-hydration or hyponatremia. This causes the cells inside the body to flood due to abnormally low sodium levels in the blood stream. Here are a few signs that can indicate that you are consuming too much of water or are over-hydrated.
1. You feel nauseous – When you drink too much of fluids, the kidneys will not be able to get rid of the excess liquid and the water then begins to collect in the body. This can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms that include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
2. You are experiencing headaches throughout the day – To much of hydration reduces the salt concentration in the blood which causes the cells in the organs to swell. It also put a strain to the brain and presses against the skull.
3. Swelling or discoloration on hands, lips or feet – In certain cases of hyponatremia the cells throughout the body swell and even the skin begins to visibly swell. This can lead to discoloration on the hands or lips and this is when you can consider to reduce your water intake.
4. Muscle weakness – Too much of hydration can also lead to a drop in the electrolytes level and the balance of the bodily function is compromised. This can lead to muscle spasms or cramping. To prevent such problems you can replace water with coconut water.
5. Fatigued or tired – Too much if hydration makes the kidneys work harder and creates a stressful environment for the hormones that leaves the body stressed and fatigued. Kidneys are responsible to filter the fluids that you drink and pass through your body which means that it has an important job to do.
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