Drinking too much water could damage your brain, expert warns

28 January 2024 , 09:19

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Experts recommend drinking eight glasses of water a day (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Water plays a vital role in our physical well-being - but drinking too much could actually cause damage to the brain, an expert has warned.

Staying hydrated is essential for optimal health and several bodily functions, like supporting digestion, regulating body temperature, and facilitating nutrient transport. But drinking too much can lead to overhydration and occurs when we consumer too much water. Around eight glasses of water a day is a recommended as a good starting point - however, it also depends on environment, the amount of exercise done and health conditions such as pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Drinking too much water

Consuming too much water can create poisoning which affects brain function. This occurs when there is too much water in the cells which can result in them swelling. It can put pressure on the brain causing confusion, drowsiness, and headaches, in turn causing hypertension caused by high blood pressure and bradycardia sparked by a low heart rate.. When levels fall due to a high amount of water in the body, the cells swell - resulting in a risk of seizures, coma, or even death.

Signs of overhydration

Ensure you keep an eye on the colour of your urine. It ranges from pale yellow to tea-coloured, based on the levels of water in the body. Clear urine is a sign you're drinking too much water over a short time. Going to the toilet more often than usual is another indicator, with the normal urination rate sitting between six to eight times a day. Visiting the toilet 10 times a day is normal for those who regularly consume caffeine or alcohol.

Overhydration can cause water toxicity, when your body’s water is more than your kidneys can excrete. It can lead to a dangerous electrolyte imbalance and can collect in the body causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Another signal of dehydration or overhydration is extra water in the body which reduces salt levels and causes cells to swell. They can then grow in size causing the brain to press against the skull. It ultimately results in throbbing headaches which could cause brain impairment and trouble breathing.

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Drinking too much water can also cause health issues (Getty Images)

A swelling or discoloration in your feet, hands, and lips can occur when the cells swell, causing skin tone to change colour. By drinking too much water, the body balance drops causing low "electrolyte levels" in the body - which can result in muscle spasms and/or cramping. Kidneys are forced to work harder to remove the excess water. If you've drunk too much water and can't get out of bed it's because your kidneys are overworking.

How much water should you drink?

The amount of water your body needs is affected by exercise, climate , body weight and what sex you are. Women between 19 and 30 should drink about 2.7 litres of water a day, while men require about 3.7 litres. Using thirst levels as a benchmark may not work for athletes, older people, and pregnant women.

Graeme Murray