Drinking too much water can cause poisoning? Scientific explanation of the truth about water poisoning

Water is the source of life and maintains the normal physiological functions of the human body. Many people have been taught to drink more water since childhood. However, in recent years, the saying that "drinking too much water can cause poisoning" has also attracted people's attention. So, is this alarmist or true? Today, let's find out.

1. What is water intoxication?

Water intoxication is also known as dilutional hyponatremia. Under normal circumstances, the human body regulates water balance through the kidneys to maintain the stability of plasma osmotic pressure and electrolyte concentration. When drinking a large amount of water in a short period of time exceeds the metabolism and regulation capacity of the kidneys, the blood is diluted, the plasma osmotic pressure decreases, and the sodium ion concentration in the plasma decreases. This will cause an imbalance in the osmotic pressure inside and outside the cells, and water will penetrate into the cells, causing the cells to swell or even rupture, thereby causing a series of serious health problems.

2. The hazards of water poisoning

The symptoms of water intoxication vary in severity. In mild cases, patients may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and other symptoms. As the condition worsens, it may cause impaired consciousness, cerebral edema, epileptic seizures, and even coma and death. For people with underlying diseases such as kidney disease, liver disease, or heart failure, their own body functions are relatively weak, and the kidneys' regulatory ability is limited, making them more vulnerable to the threat of water intoxication.

3. Can normal people be poisoned by drinking too much water?

For healthy people, the kidneys generally have a strong regulatory capacity and can handle daily water intake. However, drinking too much water in a short period of time, such as drinking several liters of water at a time, can still lead to water intoxication. For example, after a long-distance marathon in the hot summer, if athletes simply replenish a large amount of water without replenishing electrolytes, they may increase the risk of water intoxication.

4. How to drink water scientifically

Reasonable control of water intake

The Chinese Residents' Balanced Diet Pagoda (2022) recommends a daily water intake of 1500-1700 ml. However, this amount is not fixed and needs to be adjusted according to individual height, weight, activity level, climate and other factors. In hot weather, physical labor or physical exercise, the body sweats more and water loss accelerates, so it is necessary to increase the amount of water intake appropriately.

Stick to small amounts and multiple times

Drinking water is not a sudden task, but should be done in small amounts and multiple times to keep the body in a stable hydration state. For example, it is more scientific to drink a glass of more than 200 ml of water every two hours. This can avoid the burden of drinking a large amount of water at one time, and can also better maintain the body's water balance.

Pay attention to the timing of drinking water

Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink water, because when you feel thirsty, your body is already in a state of mild dehydration. Developing a habit of drinking water regularly, such as in the morning after getting up, before and after meals, and before exercise, will help maintain the body's water balance.

5. Precautions for drinking water in special circumstances

For people with underlying diseases such as kidney disease, liver disease or heart failure, their water intake needs to be more carefully controlled. Under the doctor's advice, determine the appropriate amount of water to drink based on your condition and physical condition. For example, for patients with renal failure, the excretion capacity of the kidneys is reduced, and drinking too much water may lead to water retention and aggravate the condition.

VI. Conclusion

Drinking water is an important part of maintaining health, but the more the better. Only by understanding the principles and hazards of water intoxication, mastering scientific drinking methods, and reasonably adjusting the amount of water you drink according to your own situation can you truly play the positive role of water on your body. I hope everyone can develop good drinking habits and stay healthy.