All of the key systems of your body rely upon water to figure properly. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps your body:

regulate temperature

prevent constipation

flush out waste product

perform all major bodily functions

Most folks, particularly those that exercise in weather condition, area unit additional involved regarding not drinking enough water. However, drinking an excessive amount of water can even be dangerous.

Overhydration will result in water intoxication. this happens once the number of salt and different electrolytes in your body becomes too diluted. symptom may be a condition during which atomic number 11 (salt) levels become perilously low. this is often the most concern of overhydration.

If your electrolytes drop too low too quickly, it will be fatal. Death by overhydration is rare, however it will happen.

Are there differing types of overhydration?

There area unit 2 main styles of overhydration:

Increased water intake

This occurs after you drink additional water than your kidneys will take away in your piddle. this could cause an excessive amount of water to gather in your blood.

Retaining water

This occurs once your body can’t get obviate water properly. many medical conditions will cause your body to retain water.

Both of those sorts area unit dangerous as a result of they throw off the balance between water and atomic number 11 in your blood.

What causes overhydration?

Overhydration is associate degree imbalance of fluids. It happens once your body takes in or holds on to additional fluid than your kidneys will take away.

Drinking an excessive amount of water or not having the way to get rid of it will cause water levels to create up. This dilutes necessary substances in your blood. Endurance athletes, like those that run marathons and triathlons, typically drink an excessive amount of water before and through an occasion.

The Institute of drugs established guidelinesTrusted supply for adequate water intake. They advocate that a healthy adult drink 78–100 ounces (about 9–13 cups) of fluids per day, on average.

It’s additionally necessary to recollect that water wants vary with age, s3x, weather, activity level, and overall health. therefore there's no precise formula on what quantity to drink. Common things like extreme heat, important activity, and unwellness with fever can all need additional fluid intake than average.

In a healthy person, your piddle may be a sensible indicator of your association standing. yellow piddle that appears like fruit drink may be a sensible goal. Darker piddle means that you wish additional water. Colorless piddle means that you're overhydrated.

In healthy folks, athletes area unit at the best risk for overhydration. Sports specialists at Harvard advocate that a logical approach to association whereas exertion is property thirst be your guide.

Some conditions and medicines cause overhydration by creating your body hold on to additional fluid. These include:

congestive failure (CHF)

liver sickness

kidney issues

syndrome of inappropriate vasopressin

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication

uncontrolled polygenic disease

Other conditions and medicines will cause augmented water intake by creating you very thirsty