A healthy habit for most people is to drink at least eight glasses of water everyday, or probably more. No matter how many, the main point is to stay hydrated. This has also given way for new techniques and measures that are gaining popularity in health and wellness circles.
From water trackers to quirky how to’s and flavored water, the hype around how much water you should chug has been on a roll lately. But did you know that drinking too much water has a downside as well?
What is Hyponatremia?
Contrary to popular belief, sodium is as important as water. You can’t completely omit sodium out of your diet despite it’s common misconceptions. This is because sodium is an electrolyte which aids in proper nerve and muscle function.
When you experience low sodium levels, you contract hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a common ailment caused by drinking too much water. It is an illness caused by flooding of cells internally due to abnormally low sodium count present in the bloodstream.
Too much of a good thing
It is a well known fact that clear urine is a sign of good health. And although there’s nothing wrong with keeping yourself hydrated, it’s also easy to go overboard with drinking water.
A good indicator of being over hydrated is when your pee hints of a yellowish tint or almost coloured hue. Any strange symptoms like nausea, headaches, vomiting, fatigue, and swelling or discolouration on certain areas could be a sign of hyponatremia.
Keeping it in moderation
Severe hyponatremia requires medication as it can require hospitalisation in severe circumstances. On the other hand, mild hyponatremia need not require any treatment aside from lifestyle and diet adjustments. Really, you just have to avoid drinking too much water every now and then. If you are one to engage in strenuous exercises on a daily basis, keep a close watch on the amount of water you’re consuming.
If you’re looking for a GP in Bayswater, go to Melbourne Eastern Healthcare. We are a Boronia-based medical centre with a wide range of health services that we offer. For more enquiries, call us today!
