Could You Actually Be Drinking Too Much Water?

Staying hydrated is something we have been told to do since we were in school. But is there a chance that now we could actually be drinking too much water? Keep reading to find out.

There are numerous benefits to drinking water. Melanie Murphy Richter, a registered dietitian nutritionist, told Bustle, “Water is considered the reigning king of health and wellness.” Drinking enough water helps with your digestion system, blood pressure, weight loss, skin, and mental health. But too much of a good thing can end up being a bad thing. In this day and age of “emotional support water bottles,” and WaterTok dominating scrolling time, there’s a chance that we may have too much to drink. So, what happens if you are consuming too much H2O? Turns out, it can lead to a ton of problems, such as overhydration, headaches, water poisoning, brain fog, and even an imbalance of electrolytes.

Overhydration is the first thing that happens when we drink too much water. The way to measure when you’ve overdone it in the consuming water department is to notice your pee. If you are going every hour or more, or if your urine is completely clear, those are signs of having too much to drink. Murphy Richter told Bustle, “Ideally, your urine should be a pale yellow color, and you should be urinating anywhere from four to eight times a day.” When your pee is clear, it’s a signal that your electrolytes are not balanced because drinking too much water will dilute them. Electrolytes are essential to regulate brain and nerve function. Overconsuming water can also lead to swelling, poor digestion, gas, bloating, and in extreme cases, a condition called water intoxication or hyponatremia. So, how much should you be drinking on a daily basis? The general recommendation to go by is 11.5 cups a day for women and 15.5 cups a day for men. Also, be sure to monitor your bathroom breaks and pay attention if your mouth, lips, and skin feel hydrated.

While water is an essential life source for humans, it can also have harmful side effects if you consume too much of it. Keep coming back for more lifestyle tips!