As we know, most of our body consists of H2O fluid so it is very important for the body to have sufficient water content. Water is present in the bloodstream, filling cells and cavities between cells. The body also regulates the expenditure of water to maintain balance. However, what happens if the body contains too much water?

Drinking too much water can interfere with the ion balance

In fact, not all the water we drink has ions needed by the body, while ions often come out with sweat in the form of salt. Too much water consumption, without the addition of a balance of salt intake both from food and drinks, will reduce the concentration of salt in the blood. The concentration of salt in the bloodstream itself is needed to maintain blood pressure, working the muscles and nerves to remain normal. Salt in the blood also affects the kidneys in regulating the storage of water and prevents the body from storing too much water.

The concentration of normal salt in the blood ranges from 135-145 mmol / liter. Consumption of too much water can reduce the concentration of blood salts to around 115-130 mmol and trigger various decreases in blood function because it becomes more fluid.

Symptoms that occur in the body during "water poisoning" due to drinking too much

Drinking too much water in a short time can trigger water poisoning or overhydration. This condition starts with the storage of water in the body because the kidneys cannot regulate water, due to ionic imbalances. Water that cannot be released is reabsorbed in the bloodstream, and finally the body that stores too much water causes enlargement of various body cells which disrupts the function of the cell itself.

If cell enlargement occurs in brain cells, this can cause pressure in the skull to increase. This triggers various initial symptoms of water poisoning such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms can develop into a temporary decline in cognitive function such as feeling confused, having difficulty thinking, and experiencing disorientation.

In more serious cases, water poisoning also causes muscle cramps and breathing difficulties accompanied by brain failure. Serious brain swelling can also occur due to cells storing too much water, causing seizures and even death.

What causes someone to overhydrate?

It is very difficult for someone to consume too much water by accident, because water cannot cause addiction. However, there are several reasons for someone to drink too much water and cause overdehydration.

1. Drink lots of water on purpose

This was previously noted where someone drank a lot of water to win a contest or game. Without realizing it, excessive water consumption causes poisoning and eventually causes death.

1. Drinking too much water by reason of preventing dehydration

This condition is often experienced by athletes or soldiers while undergoing training with severe physical activity. But precisely this can lead to overdehydration. This is because when experiencing stress, the body has its own mechanism to regulate fluid expenditure by secreting antidiuretic hormone, so that the body can store more fluid, and excessive consumption of water will only make the condition overhydrated.

1. The desire to drink water due to disease conditions

This can occur in individuals who have diabetes or are undergoing treatment with side effects that trigger dry mouth. The desire to drink or thirst is not a sign when the body is experiencing a lack of fluids but only the body's response to disorders, and drinking too much water can still lead to overhydration.

1. Having schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric condition that makes it difficult for a person to stop doing things, including consuming water. If this happens, it will be very dangerous for schizophrenics because he is unaware and cannot stop the consumption of water alone.

1. Other medical conditions

In addition, the symptoms of overdehydration without drinking too much water can also be caused by several diseases that trigger more water storage, such as:

Liver disease
Kidney illness
Congestive heart failure
Disruption of anti-diuretic hormone secretion