When most people think of dehydration, the first thought that often comes to mind is that drinking more water is the solution. However, a little fact that some may not be aware of is that too much water, can actually be the culprit. In order to understand how drinking too much water can actually be the source of dehydration, it is important to understand exactly what dehydration is.
Dehydration Simple Definition
Those who look it up will see that most definitions that pop up classify dehydration as not having enough water. Namely, not enough for organs and bodily functions. The body has to maintain a delicate balance in order to work efficiently and while water is an important component, so is electrolytes. Drinking too much water can actually “flush” electrolytes out of the body and if they are not replenished, dehydration can occur.
What are Electrolytes?
There are many electrolytes within the body. For simplicity, they are minerals found in small traces that are important to several vital organs. Although there are several in the human body, there are two in particular that come to mind when dehydration occurs. These are potassium and sodium, or simply put salt. Both are very important to several major body systems, including cardiac and kidney functions, just to name a few major ones.
Loss of Electrolytes
Loss of both water and electrolytes can occur through regular activities such as sweating and urinating for example. However, dehydration secondary to water intake typically occurs when water is either consumed too quickly or in copious amounts without the replenishment of electrolytes, which is more commonly seen in illness.
Risk Factors for Dehydration
Some individuals are at higher risk from becoming dehydrated due to an increase in water consumption than others. This can include but is not limited to those who are ill, taking certain medications or have underlying health conditions or pre-existing deficiencies of electrolytes. Diuretics, specifically those that are not potassium sparing, are among some of the most common medications that can contribute.
Avoiding Dehydration While Drinking Water
Water is healthy and required by the body. However, a person can ingest too much water and ingest it too quickly. Even if dehydration is not caused by increased consumption, an individual may need more than just water to rehydrate. This may be especially so for those who sweat a lot, take certain medications or have some health conditions as previously mentioned. In addition to a balanced diet, there are also supplements that aid in replenishing electrolytes that are safe and effective.