Overhydration Too much of a good thing

By Bradley Morris

As the year goes on, we get closer and closer to warmer spring and summer weather that – while unpredictable in the Midwest – will mean the days will get warmer. When it does get hotter, it’s easy to remember you’ve been told you aren’t drinking enough water and set to correct the course, but did you know it’s easy to drink too much water? It might sound absurd, but getting enough water is about making sure you don’t overhydrate as much as it is making sure you don’t dehydrate. So how do you know if you’re getting the right amount of water? Sometimes going off recommendations for daily amounts can be tricky because there are a few different numbers floating around. Some estimates are in cups and some are in ml based on your weight. There are many factors that determine how much water your body needs, such as your exercise, diet and even location. Looking for a preset amount to drink can be a little tricky, especially since there are health drawbacks to getting too much water, such as your kidneys not being able to get rid of the excess water.

Because of these factors, it’s important to get to know your personal water needs. It’s pretty easy to tell if you’re dehydrated just by gauging your thirst and checking urine color when at the bathroom, but checking to see if you’re getting too much water can be a just as simple. While thirst is a clear sign of not getting enough water, drinking water even when you aren’t thirsty can be a sign you’re drinking too much water. One sign you might have been told is a good thing is if your urine is very clear – like water – upon waking up. That is actually a sign you’re probably drinking too much water.

That might seem pretty superficial, especially when the effects of dehydration are so obvious, but there are some sneaky signs you might be drinking too much water. Drinking too much water can cause headaches or even nausea or loose stools. Overhydration can also cause you to feel tired or fatigued, and it can even cause discoloration in the feet, hands and even the lips. All these symptoms can be sneaky if you aren’t thinking about drinking too much water. If you start to experience these after starting to drink more water, it might be a sign to cut back.

We get told so often most people drink too little water – and this is probably true, especially if you drink a lot of sugary drinks – that the idea of drinking too much water is frustrating. The concept feels like you’re being punished for following the rules, but like a lot of things in health, moderation is key, and it turns out water is no exception.