Human beings need water just like air to breathe. And because water supposedly makes you healthy, thin, fit and beautiful, many people try to drink as much of it as possible. However, there are also limits to fluid intake. Those who drink too much do not feel better, but in some circumstances even worse. There is a risk of water poisoning. Sometimes we drink more than is good, especially on hot days.
Can You Drink Too Much Water?
Water Poisoning
Normally, an adults’ organism can cope with up to ten liters of water in a day. Nevertheless, experts advise not to consume more than three liters a day. Because so-called water poisoning (hyperhydration) can also occur with smaller amounts – even if you only drink too much water once. The result: the body runs on the back burner to compensate for the loss of salt. This primarily affects the functions of the heart, kidneys, brain and lungs.
Don’t Drink Too Much When Doing Sports
People with heart, kidney and liver problems are among the people who should watch the amount they drink. Because of the disease, the organs are so weakened that they no longer function properly with certain amounts of water. Those who drink a lot and eat little are also at risk – for example when dieting. In addition, endurance athletes should be careful not to drink excessively. Inexperienced runners in particular are often afraid of dehydration while jogging and therefore tend to “over drink” (exercise-associated hyponatremia): this can result in life-threatening circulatory disorders.
1.5 Liter Of Water As A Guideline
But you shouldn’t drink too little either. Because in order to function, the body needs a minimum amount of water. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends that an adult should consume one and a half liters throughout the day. But this is only a guideline. Men need more fluids than women because they sweat more. Eating habits also play a role in the correct amount of drink. Diet also plays an important role. For example, if you eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, you have to drink less than someone who mainly eats bread and meat. Those who, on the other hand, mainly eat fiber such as cereals, legumes and nuts as well as chocolate or salty or fatty foods should drink more.
Drinking In Stock Does Not Work
However, there are situations when you should drink up to three liters of water a day – exercise is one of them. Because, depending on the intensity of the load, the body sweats out one to two liters of fluid. Drinking during exercise is therefore significant. By the way: drinking in stock does not work for humans. Because unlike camels, we cannot store water.
Symptoms Of Water Poisoning
The first symptoms of overhydration are, for example: headache, dizziness, nausea, Vomit.
In addition, it can happen that you have to urinate little in spite of the high fluid intake. The body tries to maintain the level of salt in the body by holding back the urine.