Overhydration occurs when an individual drinks too much water. When too much water is consumed, the sodium and other electrolytes that surround the cells can become diluted. This dilution causes water to seep into cells and may lead to the cells swelling. If diluted blood reaches the brain, it could lead to death. Overhydration can be a danger for those participating in various exercises because in an effort to keep themselves hydrated, a person may not realize he is drinking too much water.
In the human body, electrolytes, such as sodium, surround cells and allow for the efficient transfer of bodily communication. Osmotic pressure also maintains fluid balance in cells. When there is too much water in the body, water can migrate into the cells in order to keep osmotic pressure at equilibrium. That extra water can cause the cells to swell. This phenomenon can lead to puffiness of the hands and feet, one of the symptoms of overhydration.
Should diluted blood reach the brain, it could cause brain swelling. The swelling of the brain can lead to a person’s death. Some of the other symptoms of overhydration are confusion, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and reduced digestion. A person may also gain weight because of the extra water he is carrying. Increased clear urination may also be a sign of a person ingesting too much water.
While it might seem to make sense that ingesting a sports drink containing electrolytes helps stave off overhydration, such drinks do not usually have the same concentration of electrolytes as the body. Drinking such drinks, therefore, may not replace the necessary sodium that the body needs to function. Instead, the water content in these drinks can aid overhydration. If a person becomes overhydrated, the person should stop drinking altogether so the body can eliminate excess water.
An athlete in a marathon may not feel as if he needs to urinate because the stress of running for long periods can promote the secretion of anti-diuretic hormones. If a person is running at the time of overhydration, the runner should stop and allow the hormones to reduce so he can urinate. Should the excess liquid accompany low sodium, a dose of sodium can help to reduce the swelling and aid the body in ridding itself of excess water. If a person thinks he is experiencing the symptoms of overhydration, especially if he is experiencing confusion, dizziness, or other neurological issues, he should seek medical attention as soon as possible.