From controlling body temperature and flushing out toxins, adequate hydration plays a vital role in our general health and well-being, water is a life essential. However, while dehydration garners significant attention, overhydration, or drinking excessive amounts of water, is a condition that can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.

Although it may sound bizarre since drinking water is said to be the solution for most health related problems it is important to recognize how much water is considered "too much" or the risks involved with being overhydrated can maintain a healthy balance.

What Is Water Intoxication?

Water intoxication, also termed hyperhydration, water poisoning or water toxemia, develops when an individual drinks much more water than the kidney can excrete. The main function of the kidneys in the human body is the processing and excretion of excess water. However, the human kidneys can process only up to 0.8 to 1.0 liters of water at a time. Drinking an amount that exceeds this may overwhelm the kidneys and put the electrolyte balance out of sync in the human body.

Electrolytes, especially sodium, are essential in maintaining fluid balance within and outside cells. Hyponatremia is the condition when sodium levels fall below 135 mmol/L, resulting from excessive water intake. This causes water to shift into cells, swelling them. In the brain, this can cause severe complications, including coma or even death.

Symptoms of Water Intoxication

The symptoms of water intoxication vary from mild to severe. Early symptoms are often similar to dehydration, which makes self-diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Confusion and disorientation

In more serious cases, water intoxication can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, or swelling in the brain. These complications can be fatal if left untreated.

A notable case occurred in 2007 when a woman participating in a water-drinking contest tragically died after consuming nearly two gallons of water in under two hours. More recently, actress Brooke Shields experienced a grand mal seizure attributed to excessive water consumption.

Causes of Water Intoxication

Water intoxication is rare, but certain scenarios can increase the risk:

1. Sporting Events and Endurance Training

These endurance athletes are prone to water intoxication, especially if they drink large amounts of water without replacing lost electrolytes. Hyponatremia usually happens during long races or marathons as individuals mistake fatigue and muscle cramps for dehydration and continue drinking water in excess.

2. Military Training

Overhydration among military personnel is usually due to severe physical activity in extreme environmental conditions. The total number of hyponatremia cases documented from 2007 through 2022 for the active duty in the United States exceeds 1,600, with a note to this problem on exertion-related overhydration.

3. Mental Health Conditions

Compulsive water drinking, known as psychogenic polydipsia, is linked with some mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and psychosis. People with these conditions tend to drink too much water, causing a hazardous electrolyte imbalance.

4. Drug Abuse

Drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy) raise the body temperature and make people thirsty, and at times, some people tend to drink excess water at events like music festivals. MDMA also leads to urine retention, thus exacerbating the dangers of water intoxication.

How Much Water Is Too Much?

The exact amount of water that causes intoxication varies from one person to another. However, drinking more than 1 liter of water per hour for several hours raises the risk. For healthy individuals, the risk of overhydration is low unless taking part in extreme physical activity or ignoring thirst cues.

Certain medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disorders, can impair the body's ability to process fluids, and even moderate water intake may be harmful. Similarly, certain medications, such as diuretics and antipsychotics, can affect the perception of thirst or fluid regulation.

How Much Water Is Enough?

The widely touted recommendation of eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day has little basis in fact. According to the National Academy of Medicine, a daily total fluid intake is about 15 cups (3.7 liters) for males and 11 cups (2.7 liters) for females, from beverage sources and from food. Usually, about 20 percent of daily hydration comes from foods such as fruits and vegetables.

A better rule of thumb is to listen to your body and drink water based on thirst. Use the color of your urine as an indicator:

• Light yellow urine indicates proper hydration.
• Dark yellow urine may indicate dehydration.

Older adults, whose thirst mechanisms may decline with age, should be proactive about maintaining hydration, especially during illness or hot weather.

Water Intoxication vs. Dehydration

The symptoms of water intoxication—such as headaches, fatigue, and muscle weakness—are similar to those of dehydration. If you are unsure which condition you are experiencing, seek medical attention immediately rather than self-treating with more water.

Preventing Water Intoxication

To avoid the dangers of overhydration:

• Drink water gradually throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once.
• Replace lost electrolytes post high-intensity exercise or heavy sweating.
• Consider using sports drinks or salty snacks to help replenish sodium.
• Keep track of fluid consumption during long-duration activities, and do not consume more water than the body is losing in terms of electrolytes.
• If on medications or have specific medical conditions, check with your doctor regarding the safety of drinking water.

For signs of severe water intoxication-including confusion, drowsiness, seizures, and loss of consciousness-customer is advised to seek medical assistance immediately. In the meanwhile, a salty snack would help to temporarily correct low sodium levels.

Hydration is important to health, but overhydration can be a serious risk; the secret is in finding a balance. Drink enough water to satisfy your body, but not so much that it overwhelms your system. Remember, water is life, but moderation keeps it that way.

Hyponatremia (low sodium level in the blood). National Kidney Foundation. 2023.

Water Toxicity. NIH. 2023

Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia: 2017 Update. Front Med (Lausanne). 2017

Update: Exertional Hyponatremia Among Active Component Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 2007–2022

Preventive healthcare through early screening, healthier lifestyles and greater public awareness is crucial to reducing the burden of both communicable and chronic diseases, doctors said ahead of National Doctors' Day.

National Doctors' Day is observed in India on July 1 to honor the contributions of medical professionals.

Shift Focus On Prevention

Speaking at an event organized by the Illness to Wellness Foundation, Rajesh Bhushan, former Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said India has made significant strides in expanding access to healthcare and strengthening its treatment infrastructure.

"The next phase of our healthcare journey must focus equally on prevention," Bhushan said.

He stressed that preventive healthcare should become a national priority, supported by regular screening, early diagnosis, healthier lifestyles and greater public awareness.

"Preventive healthcare is not only a public health priority but also an economic imperative for building a healthier and more productive nation," he added.

India Faces A Double 9-0

Prof. (Dr.) Nirmal Kumar Ganguly, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said India is battling both infectious diseases and a rapidly growing burden of lifestyle-related illnesses.

"One of the biggest health challenges India faces today is the growing burden of obesity, which is the root cause of many major non-communicable diseases. Preventive healthcare is the most effective way to address both communicable and non-communicable diseases."

India continues to report a high burden of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, dengue, cholera, typhoid, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, which together account for about 27.5% of the country's disease burden.

At the same time, non-communicable diseases—including obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cancer—are rising rapidly. Around 60% of all deaths in India are caused by NCDs, with nearly 70% of their risk factors linked to unhealthy lifestyles.

Prevention Can Improve Quality Of Life

Prof. (Dr.) G. C. Khilnani, Chairman, PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, said preventive healthcare should become part of everyday life through regular health check-ups, balanced nutrition, physical activity, vaccination, good hygiene and timely medical consultation.

Dr. Yash Gulati, Padma Shri awardee and Senior Consultant Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi encouraged people to treat preventive healthcare as a lifelong commitment rather than an occasional health check-up.

"Every step taken towards prevention today reduces the burden of disease tomorrow."

How To Prevent Diseases

Doctors said adopting a prevention-first approach can significantly reduce the risk of both communicable and chronic diseases. They recommended:

• Going for regular health screenings to detect diseases early.
• Exercising regularly, including walking, yoga or other physical activities.
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber.
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
• Getting adequate sleep and manage stress through meditation or relaxation techniques.
• Staying up to date with vaccinations to prevent infectious diseases.
• Maintaining good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and access to safe drinking water.
• Seeking timely medical advice instead of waiting for symptoms to worsen.

Aarogya Setu started as a contact-tracing and tracking app during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it underwent a significant transformation since its initial launch. Now, years after its launch, the Centre has launched Aarogya Setu 2.0.

Aarogya Setu 2.0 Aims To Solve Everyday Healthcare Problems

Instead of focusing only on infectious diseases, Aarogya Setu 2.0 now acts as a comprehensive healthcare app that provides a range of healthcare services. Its features are designed to change the way you obtain medical services in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

It can help users store, retrieve, and manage their medical records, access various services, and simplify everyday healthcare tasks. Apart from data and records storage, the app can help users locate the nearest hospitals, manage their prescriptions, and track their insurance coverage seamlessly. The revamped platform is designed to address common challenges patients face while navigating India's healthcare system.

Here's a closer look:

Finding Closest Hospitals

One of the most useful features Aarogya Setu 2.0 provides is access to the locations of the closest hospitals and healthcare facilities. In times of emergencies, this feature could prove to be lifesaving as it could save valuable time when immediate medical attention is needed.

The app has also enabled searching for PM-JAY empanelled hospitals. This feature is integrated with Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, allowing users to search for empanelled hospitals offering cashless treatment. Users can easily find authorized hospitals and access free or subsidized care.

Read more: Ebola Outbreak Spreads To Fourth Province In DR Congo As Cases Rise To 1,274

Retrieving Medical History During Doctor Visits

Patients often struggle to recall their medical history, including details like previous illnesses, surgeries, allergies, medications, or vaccinations during a consultation. It often hinders the diagnostic process as the doctor does not have a comprehensive picture of the patient’s health.

The platform provides users with easy access to their health records, making it simpler to share relevant information with their healthcare providers whenever needed.

Read more: Leptospirosis In Monsoon: Expert Explains Why Early Detection & Prevention Is A Must

Avoiding Repetitive Diagnostic Tests

Patients are often compelled to undergo the same diagnostic tests and scans simply because their previous reports get misplaced. This not only increases healthcare costs but also causes inconvenience. Easy access to past laboratory reports can help patients avoid unnecessary repeat tests.

Simplifying Insurance And Cashless Treatment

Medical insurance paperwork often involves submitting hospital documents, prescriptions, diagnostic reports, and discharge summaries. Since many of these records are scattered across different hospitals or stored as paper documents, patients may spend considerable time collecting them.

With digital health records stored in one place, users may find it easier to retrieve documents required for insurance claims or cashless hospitalization, potentially reducing paperwork and delays.

Making Healthcare More Portable

Aarogya Setu 2.0 allows users to securely store and access digital health records through integration with India's digital health ecosystem. Having previous prescriptions and reports readily available can help both patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions.

This is particularly useful for individuals who relocate frequently and suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, thyroid disorders, or kidney disease that need long-term monitoring.

Changing cities usually means changing doctors and hospitals. In the absence of a complete medical history, one is more likely to incur additional healthcare costs of retaking the tests.

As heatwaves have become more frequent and intense across the globe, health experts are increasingly warning that soaring temperatures affect far more than physical health. While dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are common physiological effects of heatwaves, extreme heat can also take a significant toll on mental wellbeing.

Mental Health Toll Of Extreme Heat

HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Samant Darshi, Consultant - Psychiatrist & Neuromodulation Expert, Psymate Healthcare, Noida, about the psychological impact of extreme heat.

In hot weather, the human body constantly works to maintain a stable internal temperature. During periods of extreme heat, this process becomes increasingly challenging, placing considerable strain on both the body and brain.

Dr Darshi explains, “The high temperatures during heat waves can have a strong influence on not only physical but also the psychological state of people. The hot weather causes irritation, nervousness, stress, and frustration. Sleep disturbance associated with the hot weather only complicates the process of keeping a good mood.”

Living in higher temperatures is slowly becoming the new norm in several countries. With climate change driving longer and more intense heat events, understanding the psychological impact of extreme heat has become more important than ever.

Extreme Heat Can Worsen Serious Mental Health Issues

Additionally, research has shown that prolonged exposure to heat can worsen stress, anxiety, irritability, and even increase the risk of severe mental health crises. Moreover, people's ability to think logically is affected by heat; memory, attention, and overall productivity decrease in extreme temperatures.

Dr Darshi says, “People with some pre-existing mental health conditions (depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, etc.) can suffer from worsening their symptoms during prolonged heatwaves. The side effects of some medications that are used for the treatment of mental illnesses include the disturbance of the processes of thermoregulation in the organism.”

High temperatures can also disrupt sleep, hamper hormone levels, and affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play a key role in regulating mood. Sleep deprivation, a common consequence of hot nights, can further intensify emotional distress, making people feel more anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed.

Heatwaves Drives Isolation

As temperatures soar, people generally avoid stepping out, becoming increasingly secluded. Lack of social interactions triggers the brain’s primal ‘survival threat’ alarm, which can lead to excessive stress, poor emotional regulation, and increased risk of anxiety and depression.

It especially affects older people and other vulnerable groups. Social isolation can cause psychological problems in terms of loneliness and depression. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure to heat causes aggression, self-harm, and other mental health crises.

How To Protect Your Mental Wellbeing During A Heatwave

While one has little to no control over the weather, certain measures can help reduce the mental strain caused by extreme heat:

• Staying hydrated throughout the day.

• Keeping indoor spaces cool using fans, curtains, or air conditioning where possible.

• Avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest hours.

• Prioritizing good sleep hygiene and keep bedrooms as cool as possible.

• Checking in regularly with family members, friends, and neighbours, particularly those living alone.

• Seek professional support if feelings of anxiety, depression, or distress become overwhelming.