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Overhydration Risk: Are you drinking more water than you need? How much should you drink? Know what the experts say
KalamTimes | September 11, 2025 7:39 PM CST

Overhydration Risk: Drinking too much water can be dangerous for health. As much as it is important for the body to stay hydrated, it is equally important to pay attention to overhydration.

 

Overhydration Risk : To stay healthy, it is advisable to drink plenty of water throughout the day . But do you know that drinking too much water can be as dangerous for the body as drinking too little water? Recently, experts have warned that ( overhydration effects ) i.e. drinking too much water can disturb the balance of electrolytes in the body and it can cause serious health problems.

 

Dr. Pal explains that drinking more water than the body's requirement increases pressure on the kidneys and can also hurt the brain .

Why is it important to drink balanced amounts of water?

Water is very important to keep the body hydrated . It helps in flushing out toxins , maintaining proper digestion and making the skin glowing . But when we drink more water than required, the sodium level of the body falls . This is called hyponatremia in medical language . In this condition , symptoms like fatigue, dizziness and headache can appear .

How much water is right to drink?

The amount of water a person should drink depends on his age, weight, activity and weather . Generally , 2.5 to 3 liters of water is considered sufficient in a day . But if someone sweats a lot or is very active , then he may need a little more . On the other hand, in winters or less active people need less water .

Harmful effects of drinking too much water

  • Pressure on the kidneys – Excessive water forces the kidneys to work harder
  • Blood pressure imbalance – Overhydration can cause blood pressure to fluctuate due to electrolyte imbalance
  • Effect on the brain – According to research , excess water can swell brain cells , which can cause headaches and confusion

By what signs can you understand that you are drinking too much water?

  • Frequent urination
  • Swelling in hands and feet
  • persistent fatigue or dizziness
  • heaviness in the head 

Tips for drinking water in a healthy way

  • Drink water only when you are thirsty , not under compulsion
  • Don't drink too much water at once, drink small amounts throughout the day
  • Include healthy drinks like coconut water, buttermilk or lemonade in summer
  • Keep an eye on your water intake and avoid excessive drinking


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