Comments on: How Much Water Do You Really Need?

By: Rutledge

Rutledge — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 04:25:03 +0000

Too much intake of any fluid could have adverse consequences. Hopefully, no one habitually is predisposed to overdrinking anything. Our system has an alarm mechanism that will alert us to overdrinking. It is commonly referred to as bloating. So, unless you intend to commit the unthinkable, your stomach will suddenly expel the overage, and hopefully your gray matter will click in and say…..better not do this again….or whatever.

By: jan

jan — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:04:28 +0000

I'm a fight attendant and I notice such a difference when I drink alot of water on a flight ,that helps stay hydrated and from being fatigue the next day.

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:07:28 +0000

ABOUT THE GIRL WHO DIED DRINKING WATER….. there's a huge difference between drinking gallons of water at one time and drinking it thru out the day.
Some people say you can safely drink up to half your body weight in ounces… more if you are doing major workouts.

By: Petra

Petra — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:04:25 +0000

Hi Dennis, do you remember the girl 2 years ago, who died because of a stupid wager that she could drink more than a gallon of water. Her heart gave in. When you drink to much, you unbalance your electrolyd contance in your body, which you need for all muscle actions (heart).

By: danawhite

danawhite — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:54:59 +0000

Hi Dennis – great question! Too much water can lead to a condition known as hyponatremia where sodium levels in the blood drop dangerously low. Symptoms may include headache, muscle weakness and cramping, confusion, fatigue and nausea. How much water is too much is different for everyone (but I typically only see this condition with endurance athletes). Follow the guidelines mentioned in the article to stay properly (and safely) hydrated.

By: danawhite

danawhite — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:54:24 +0000

Hi Dennis – great question! Too much water can lead to a condition known as hyponatremia where sodium levels in the blood drop dangerously low. Symptoms may include headache, muscle weakness and cramping, confusion, fatigue and nausea. How much is too much is different for everyone (but I typically only see this condition with endurance athletes). Follow the guidelines mentioned in the article to stay properly (and safely) hydrated.

By: danawhite

danawhite — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:54:06 +0000

Hi Dennis – great question! Too much water can lead to a condition known as hyponatremia where sodium levels in the blood drop dangerously low. Symptoms may include headache, muscles weakness and cramping, confusion, fatigue and nausea. How much is too much is different for everyone (but I typically only see this condition with endurance athletes). Follow the guidelines mentioned in the article to stay properly (and safely) hydrated.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:26:41 +0000

What, if any, negative impact is excessive water/fluid intake? At what point does it occur?

By: danawhite

danawhite — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:25:12 +0000

Thanks for your comment TNN – you bring up a very important point. Caffeine certainly does trigger some water excretion by the kidneys, but the fluid present in caffeinated beverages still contributes to your daily fluid intake.

By: TNN

TNN — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:16:17 +0000

I am a third year medical student and the fact about caffeine is not true. Caffeine actually does play a role in dehydration. It activates what is called the angiotensin renin system in the kidneys that causes you to excrete water at a higher level. Also, the sodium and sugars in soft drinks and other caffeinated drinks have a similar effect.