lethargy,oedema,confusion,rhabdomyolysis
Yes. It can happen and it has happened, but it is very rare. The quantity of water that one must drink to die from hyperhydration is so great that usually only someone with a mental illness, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, could manage to continue drinking water to fatal excess.
Lethargy, confusion, agitation, and possibly seizures - the problem is that when you drink too much water, you decrease the amount of sodium in your blood, and sodium is needed for muscle movement.Here's what a couple of expert doctors have to say (link below):As these symptoms may mimic frank dehydration, some athletes mistakenly conclude that plain bottled or tap water may be the most desirable approach to rehydration. Nothing could be further from the truth-too much fluid can hurt!Hyperhydration, which contributes to hyponatremia, is an emerging concern among trainers and health care professionals and a condition that can be prevented. Adequate consumption of properly formulated and clinically tested electrolyte-containing beverages as part of a fluid-replacement regime during exercise and endurance events can prevent or reduce the risk of hyponatremia and related sequelae, while maintaining fluid balance and important physiological functions
Yes and no. In order for a cut to heal fast and with minimal scarring, a certain amount of moisture is needed (the the wound bed itself). If the cut is not covered there is more of a chance of pulling that can lead to pain and scarring. When using a cover, such as a band-aid, moisture will be locked in and the cut may heal bit faster. However, moist environments are a breeding ground for bacteria. Moisture can also lead to the healthy skin becoming soft, swollen, and wrinkled (like when you stay in a bath too long). This is called hyperhydration or maceration. Although maceration usually clears up after exposure to air, it can lead to increased sensitivity, infection, and in extreme cases more injury (since this skin is more susceptible to injury from rubbing or friction. That is why, I would recommend keeping a wound covered when their is potential exposure to dirt, etc. But keeping it uncovered or lightly covered at other times. It is also important to replace wet bandages and dry the area thoroughly before recovering.
THey can be, but then can be indicators of quite a few other things, including: * Hyperhydration (usually accompanied by an increase in sodium or potassium consumption). I.E. Water retention. * Over-use -- if you're not used to carrying a heavy load over a long distance and just did so, the swelling may be a reaction similar to a bruise. * If you're female, this may be related to your menstrual cycle. * Swelling ankles and pitting edema (if you press the ankle with your fingernail, and the fingernail mark remains over 20-30 seconds), this can also be an indicator of conjestive heart failure. If you have a history of CHF, call your cardiologist about this. * If the feet have been exposed to an antigen, this could be a mild allergeric reaction, but most allergic reactions include more symptoms -- especially itching and hives -- than just swelling. Were your feet exposed to something new? New socks that you didn't maunder before wearing? New foot powder. This can be exacerbated if you live in a low altitude area and travel to a higher altitude. For instance. my feet always swell on airplanes (which pressurize as if I were 7,000ft above sea level).
The human body comprises of 55% to 78% water depending on body size. To function properly, the body requires between one and seven liters of water per day to avoid dehydration; the precise amount depends on the level of activity, temperature, humidity, and other factors. Most of this is ingested through foods or beverages other than drinking straight water. It is not clear how much water intake is needed by healthy people, though most advocates agree that 6-7 glasses of water (approximately 2 liters) daily is the minimum to maintain proper hydration. Medical literature favors a lower consumption, typically 1 liter of water for an average male, excluding extra requirements due to fluid loss from exercise or warm weather. For those who have healthy kidneys, it is rather difficult to drink too much water, but (especially in warm humid weather and while exercising) it is dangerous to drink too little. People can drink far more water than necessary while exercising, however, putting them at risk of water intoxication (hyperhydration), which can be fatal.
The human body comprises of 55% to 78% water depending on body size. To function properly, the body requires between one and seven liters of water per day to avoid dehydration; the precise amount depends on the level of activity, temperature, humidity, and other factors. Most of this is ingested through foods or beverages other than drinking straight water. It is not clear how much water intake is needed by healthy people, though most advocates agree that 6-7 glasses of water (approximately 2 liters) daily is the minimum to maintain proper hydration. Medical literature favors a lower consumption, typically 1 liter of water for an average male, excluding extra requirements due to fluid loss from exercise or warm weather. For those who have healthy kidneys, it is rather difficult to drink too much water, but (especially in warm humid weather and while exercising) it is dangerous to drink too little. People can drink far more water than necessary while exercising, however, putting them at risk of water intoxication (hyperhydration), which can be fatal.
As human beings are creatures of chemicals, there can always be too much of a good thing. The human body contains many different chemicals called electrolytes that the body depends on for normal functioning. However, these electrolytes must be within a very stable concentration in order to work properly. If a person takes in more water than they can remove, these electrolytes become diluted and the person goes into what is called water intoxication of hyperhydration. In fact, the theory of sports drinks like Gatorade is that if a drink contains not just water, but the correct concentration of electrolytes, there is minimal risk of water intoxication. People on a low-sodium diet are at higher risk of water intoxication, but the people who should truly be concerned are marathon runners, who by nature drink lots and lots of water. However, most people are much more likely to suffer the opposite end of the spectrum: dehydration.
Yes, drinking too much water can be toxic - except it is very hard to drink too much fresh, clean water to be able to die. Normal healthy people would need to drink on the order of 20 liters per day for it to be toxic but people with some medical problems, particularly the elderly and very young, can get toxic on much lesser amounts. Also people with psychiatric disorders, most notably schizophrenia. Drinking too much water is called polydipsia. This, as well as several other processes, can cause low blood concentrations of sodium, which is known as (dilutional) hyponatremia.
Water is considered a universal solvent because it has a unique ability to dissolve a wide range of substances. This is due to its polar nature, which allows it to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules, breaking them apart and enabling them to mix evenly. This property makes water essential for many biological and chemical processes.