You wake up the next morning, and the room is dripping with condensation. Turns out, you drank way more water than you drank the night before. But it was no dream. That is the extent of the weight loss overnight. And so begins your new routine. You have a plan to get back on track. And that is a good thing because losing too much weight in one go can be dangerous. Especially, if you’ve never gotten into trouble with your weight before. So, you have to be careful. But you also have to keep moving because being inactive is the opposite of what you want right now.
Walking Is The Best Exercise
The NHS recommends that adults should do 150 minutes of physical activity per week. That is an hour of swimming every day, three times a week, or 30 minutes of brisk walking every day, five days a week. It is a simple recommendation that makes a massive difference. If you stick to it, you will quickly start to see the benefits. Walking is easy to incorporate into your day. It is an activity that you can do anywhere. And it is the perfect excuse to get out and about and see the world. Walking is also a great way to clear your head and get rid of that anxious hunch. It is a fantastic workout and it also releases endorphins which make you feel good. So, it is a win-win situation. But we should all be aware of the harm that drinking too much water can cause. And that is what we are going to focus in this article.
Drinking Thirst-Quenching Fluids
We are conditioned to think that thirst is an indicator that our bodies need hydration. And we are usually advised to drink plenty of fluids to quench that thirst. But what happens when that thirst is not quenched? First off, you’ll feel tired and irritable. Second, it could lead to kidney damage. And finally, in extreme cases, it can even cause heart failure. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that in the long-term, drinking too much water can cause a number of health problems. So, it is better to be aware of that fact. Especially, if you want to keep your water weight in check. Especially, if you want to continue to drink sufficient amounts of fluids. The key is in learning how much water you actually need according to your body weight and health condition. That way, you’ll never feel dehydrated or suffer from any of the negative effects that excessive water intake can have. Because you’ll only ever drink what your body needs. And your body will thank you for that.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
To begin with, you need to drink according to your body weight. That way, you’ll never suffer from dehydration. Your body’s main function is to stay hydrated. So, you don’t want to do anything that could potentially cause you to become dehydrated. Especially, because that will only make you more thirsty. According to the NHS, adults should drink about eight glasses of water per day. That is a lot of water for a normal human being. Especially, if you weigh less than you normally do. The recommended amount for children is about a quarter of that. But you shouldn’t feel that you have to limit yourself to just water. There are drinks out there that are high in mineral content that can prevent dehydration. If you are not getting enough fluids, you are probably also depriving your body of the necessary minerals. So drinking fruit juices can also help.
Avoid Foods With Added Sugar
One of the primary causes of excessive water intake is the consumption of foods with added sugar. These are the kinds of foods that pop up in places like Starbucks and Costa Coffee. And the reason they are so popular is because people can’t metabolize the sugar quickly enough to give them a rush of energy. As a result, they drink more to get that boost. The most popular of these are the energy drinks. And while they can be quite addictive, they aren’t meant to replace normal diet drinks. If you really want to cut back on your water intake, give up these foods with added sugar. And remember, it is always best to reduce your intake of sweets, particularly those that are high in fructose. These are the kinds of foods that can turn up your blood sugar level quite high. Which can cause you to become dehydrated. Also, there is the issue of the HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) in the processed foods that you consume. It is bad for your health, and it puts you at risk of suffering from dehydration. HFCS is also quite corrosive, and it can cause tooth decay. If you want to keep your teeth healthy, it is best to avoid HFCS, and instead choose foods that are high in fibre. These are the types of foods that help keep your gastrointestinal system healthy and functioning properly. Because fibre helps prevent constipation, diarrhea, and water absorption. So, whenever possible, choose foods that contain more fibre and water than those with added sugar. It is important to note that the type of water you drink can also affect how much you need to intake. The water from a glass of wine, for example, isn’t always safe to drink. Especially if you are driving or operating a heavy machine. The alcohol in the drink can interfere with the way your body processes fluids. So, you might end up drinking more than you need. In which case, you’ll become dehydrated, and that can have serious consequences. But if you’re not sure about the safety of a certain beverage, think of another one. That way, you’ll never be at risk of dehydration. And you’ll also be sure that you’re getting the necessary minerals and vitamins that your body needs. Another thing that can cause dehydration is low body temperature. That is why it is advisable for you to drink enough fluids to keep your body at a stable temperature. Normally, the body regulates its temperature quite well. But if you’re not drinking enough fluids, that regulation can go wrong. That is the reason behind the occasional overheating (called hyperthermia) or underheating (called hypothermia) that people experience. Because of this, it is always a good idea to keep a drink nearby in case you feel that your body temperature is going up or down. Overheating can cause you to become dehydrated, and that in turn can lead to serious health problems. So, be careful when drinking. And remember, your body is always listening…to you.
Is Too Much Water Dangerous?
There is always a chance that you could become dehydrated even if you drink the correct amount of fluids. And that is why it is always a good idea to be careful about how much water you drink. If you want to put yourself at risk of dehydration, you have to do more than just drink the right amount. You have to stay hydrated by drinking sufficient amounts of fluids throughout the day. That way, you’ll never be at risk of dehydration. Because your body will always have access to sufficient amounts of fluids. If you want to reduce your risks of dehydration, drink at least eight glasses of water per day. That is the best way to ensure that you stay hydrated.
The Dangers Of Drinking Too Little Water
On the other hand, consuming too few fluids can also cause health problems. First off, you’ll notice that your body becomes drier, and that is not good. Your body needs sufficient amounts of fluids for many functional processes, and drinking too few of them can cause you to become weaker. Another dangerous effect that too little water can have is called water intoxication. This happens when you drink water without any food or fuel. That is why it is always advisable to drink food and fuel together. That way, your body will get the nutrition it needs to function properly, and it won’t have to turn to liquids for its fuel. Which can cause damage. Also, drinking too little water increases your risks of infections. Because your body’s biggest fight-fighter, the immune system, needs sufficient amounts of liquids for proper functioning. Also, drinking too little water can lead to problems with kidney function. Your kidneys need the proper amount of fluids to function, and having too little of them can put you at risk of several health problems. Finally, in very rare cases, drinking too little water can even cause heart failure. That is why it is always a good idea to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Just to be on the safe side. If you want to drink less water, it is best to let your body tell you when it is time to stop. Because consuming fluids when you are not thirsty can actually be dangerous. Especially, if you are trying to reduce your weight. If you suspect that you are drinking too much water, stop drinking and wait for your body’s hydration levels to return to normal. That is the best way to keep your health intact.