It seems a lot of people have started carrying a bottle of water with them wherever they go and this is a good way to stay hydrated. Water helps us transport body nutrients, create saliva, maintain body temperature, and more.
However, drinking a lot (like more than a liter an hour) can actually create health problems that can do just the opposite, and you should be aware of them.
We were surprised when we discovered the negative effects of drinking too much water and wanted to share our findings with all of you.
Your Belly Might Get Bloated
One of the most common stomach problems that people, especially women, the experience is bloating. Drinking lots of water can make you feel like you’ve eaten a full meal and feel bloated.
Also, if you drink the water quickly, you are probably drinking air and this can give you a feeling of fullness. Luckily, this is only a temporary problem.
Your Hands And Feet Might Swell
Drinking too much water combined with eating too many salty foods can cause water retention, also known as edema.
This occurs when the sodium levels in our body are very high and drinking water can cause swelling, especially in the lower extremities. The same can happen with our hands.
In the later stages, and because edema is a brain condition that affects the brainstem, it can also cause central nervous system dysfunction.
You Might Experience Nausea
When we consume a lot of water, brain cells can start to swell. This increases the pressure on the skull.
Two of the symptoms that can appear as a sign that we drink a lot of water are nausea and vomiting.
You Might Get Symptoms Of Overhydration
We often cannot easily identify the symptoms of drinking too much water, especially in the early stages. One of the most common signs that can occur is a headache. Also, you may feel sick, confused, and disoriented.
Some of the more serious symptoms of water poisoning can be double vision, shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, and drowsiness.
Your Muscles Cramp Easily
To keep blood, muscle function, and heart rate healthy, we need electrolytes. However, drinking lots of water reduces the number of electrolytes in our body.
When these levels are low, we can experience muscle spasms and cramps.
How much water do you drink? Have you noticed any symptoms of hyperhydration?