5 health issues caused by excess water intake

Approximately 60% to 75% of the body is water. It is essential to every bodily function, from blood circulation to digestion. This is why drinking the optimal amount of water is vital for overall health. Most experts recommend drinking about eight glasses of water daily; drinking too little increases the risk of dehydration. On the flip side, drinking too much water is also unhealthy. Here are a few health issues caused by drinking excessive water. Hyponatremia This condition is caused by a drop in the sodium levels in the body. Sodium is one of the essential electrolytes in the body that balances the fluid levels inside and outside the body’s cells—overhydration or drinking too much water cause sodium levels to go down. Headache Drinking too much water may disrupt brain function. The excess water enters the cells, including the brain cells, resulting in their swelling. This exerts pressure on the brain, leading to headaches and dizziness. Some people also experience confusion because of this. Nausea Sometimes the health issues because of drinking excessive water are similar to that of dehydration. While a lack of water puts a strain on the kidneys, so does excess water content in the body. This strain occurs because the kidneys cannot expel the additional water.