Drinking enough water every day is highly recommended because of the numerous benefits associated with it. Water helps in flushing out toxins, boosting immunity, keeping the skin clear and hydrated etc. While drinking enough water is required, excess of everything can be bad. It is generally required to drink anywhere between 8 and 12 glasses of pure water that you get from an efficient water purifier every day. If you drink more than 3 cups of water every hour, it can lead to a condition called hyponatremia wherein the sodium levels in the body take a beating.
Here are 5 signs to look out for, which indicates that you are consuming more than the required amounts of water.
Frequent Bathroom Trips
Apart from any medical condition, if you are making more than 7 bathroom trips a day, it’s a sign that you should watch your water consumption. If you are waking up at night also in the middle of your sleep to use the restroom, cut your water intake before bed. Excess of peeing can result in reducing the sodium levels leading to conditions like headaches, nausea, confusion, fatigue etc. and if unchecked for long might even result in death.
Getting Cramps Often
This happens when there is less potassium in the body. Potassium is a mineral that helps in contracting and relaxing of muscles. Excessive urination due to high consumption of water can lead to a loss of potassium and hence you will get frequent cramps.
Colour of Urine Is Crystal Clear
As most of you have a water purifier at home, consuming pure water is easy. If you are having enough water, your urine colour will be anywhere between straw-coloured and transparent yellow. However, if you see that it’s completely transparent with no pigmentation, then it should be a matter of concern and you should check your water intake. In most probability, you might be consuming too much water.
Throbbing Headaches
Having headaches is often considered as a sign of dehydration, but only a few people are aware of the fact that even over-hydration causes headaches. When you drink too much water it leads to the reduction of salt concentration in the blood. As a result, the cells in the organs swell leading to the brain increasing in size and pressing against the skull resulting in throbbing headache.
Swelling or Discoloration of Body Parts
At times, especially in the case of hyponatremia, there could be a swelling or discolouration of hands, lips, and feet. As the cells of the body swell, you will look bloated and can also experience weight gain due to excess water in the body.
If you see any of the above-discussed signs, the problem is that you are consuming much more than what is required by your body. If you find any of these symptoms, be cautious and monitor your water intake. If you find you are consuming too much, cut down on it to stay healthy and fit.