Overhydration can occur when too much water is consumed, diluting electrolytes and causing cells to swell. This can lead to brain swelling and death. Sports drinks may not replace necessary electrolytes, and those experiencing overhydration should stop drinking and seek medical attention.
Overhydration occurs when an individual drinks too much water. When too much water is consumed, sodium and other electrolytes surrounding cells can become diluted. This dilution causes water to enter the cells and can lead to swelling of the cells. If the diluted blood reaches the brain, it could lead to death. Over-hydration can be a danger to those participating in various exercises because in trying to stay hydrated, a person may not realize they are drinking too much water.
In the human body, electrolytes, such as sodium, surround cells and allow for efficient transfer of bodily communication. Osmotic pressure also maintains fluid balance in cells. When there is too much water in the body, water can migrate into the cells to keep the osmotic pressure in balance. That extra water can cause cells to swell. This phenomenon can lead to swelling of the hands and feet, one of the symptoms of overhydration.
If the diluted blood reaches the brain, it could cause swelling of the brain. Brain swelling can lead to a person’s death. Some of the other symptoms of overhydration are confusion, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and impaired digestion. A person may also gain weight due to the extra water he is carrying. Increased clear urination can also be a sign of a person ingesting too much water.
While it might seem logical that ingesting an electrolyte-containing sports drink will help prevent overhydration, such drinks usually don’t have the same concentration of electrolytes as the body. Drinking such beverages, therefore, may not replace the necessary sodium that the body needs to function. Instead, the water content in these drinks can help with hyperhydration. If a person becomes overhydrated, they should stop drinking altogether so the body can get rid of the excess water.
A marathon athlete may not feel like they need to urinate because the stress of running for long periods can promote the secretion of antidiuretic hormones. If a person is running at the time of hyperhydration, the runner should stop and allow hormones to reduce so they can urinate. If excess fluid were to accompany low sodium, a dose of sodium can help reduce bloating and help the body get rid of the excess water. If a person thinks they have symptoms of overhydration, especially if they are experiencing confusion, dizziness, or other neurological problems, they should see a doctor as soon as possible.
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