Debunking the 8-Glass Rule: What Experts Want You to Know

6. The Dangers of Overhydration

Advertisement

Although health depends on being hydrated, it is also possible to overhydrate—a disorder sometimes called as hyponatremia. This happens when one consumes too much water, therefore diluting the sodium levels in the bloodstream. The 8-glass rule can unintentionally inspire some people to drink more water than their bodies need, therefore posing possible health hazards. In severe circumstances, hyponatremia can cause confusion, convulsions, even coma. Initially resembling dehydration, the symptoms could make it difficult to identify the problem. Those who participate in endurance sports, like marathon running, are especially vulnerable since they may drink a lot of water in an effort to keep hydrated. You have to pay attention to your body and understand that environmental circumstances and degree of exercise will affect your needs for hydration. If you are working hard, you must replace not only fluids but also electrolytes lost by sweat. Drinks high in electrolytes can aid to keep the body in balance and stop the diluting of salt levels. Moreover, people with several medical disorders, such kidney issues or heart failure, should be careful about fluid consumption. These people could have particular limits on the amount of liquids they could reasonably drink. To find suitable hydration levels depending on personal health requirements, one should see a medical practitioner. In essence, even although health depends on water, one should avoid the dangers of too much hydration. The 8-glass rule encourages an artificial norm that might not fit everyone, so contributing to this problem. Understanding your particular water demands and paying attention to the signals your body sends can help you to keep a good balance supporting general well-being.