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

In today’s digital age, screens have become almost inseparable from daily life—even for very young children. While technology offers convenience and learning opportunities, increasing clinical observations have raised concerns about a phenomenon often referred to as “virtual autism." In an interview with Health and Me, Dr Aarti Javeri Manek, Paediatric Neurologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, explained what virtual autism is and the impact of screen time on children's brain health.

What is “virtual autism”?

Virtual autism is not a formally recognised medical diagnosis but rather a descriptive term used for children—typically toddlers—who exhibit autism-like features in the context of excessive screen exposure, particularly during critical periods of brain development. These children may show reduced eye contact, delayed speech, poor social interaction, and limited responsiveness to their environment.

Also Read: Cancer Is The 10th Leading Cause Of Death In Indian Children: Study

However, it is crucial to distinguish this entity from clinical Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition, often with a strong underlying genetic and biological basis, present in addition to exogenous influences. External stimulus exposure may not even be apparent. In contrast, children with virtual autism often demonstrate significant improvement when screen time is reduced and replaced with real-world, interactive experiences. This reversibility is a key differentiating factor.

Read more: Is My Child Shy Or Autistic? Psychiatrist Shares Tips To Help Parents Spot Early Signs

What early signs should parents watch for?

From a neurological perspective, early childhood is a period of rapid synaptic growth, heavily influenced by sensory and social input. When screens replace human interaction, this can impact language acquisition, attention, and social interaction.

Some red flags that may suggest screen-related developmental delays include:

1. Limited or absent eye contact
2. Reduced response to name
3. Delayed speech or loss of previously acquired words
4. Preference for screens over people
5. Decreased or limited gestures (not pointing, showing, or sharing interest)
6. Repetitive behaviours such as watching the same videos excessively or viewing the same rhyme persistently
7. Irritability or meltdowns when screens are removed

While these signs overlap with autism, the context is important. A history of prolonged, unsupervised screen exposure, often exceeding 3–4 hours per day in toddlers, should prompt consideration of environmental impact.

Read more: Can Cell Therapy Be The Future Of Autism Treatment?

Are toddlers at greater risk compared to older children?

Yes, significantly so. The first three years of life are critical for brain development, particularly for language, social bonding, and emotional regulation. During this period, the brain relies heavily on serve-and-return interactions—a child babbles, a caregiver responds; a child points, and a parent names the object. These exchanges build neural circuits essential for communication and cognition.

Screens, even educational ones, are inherently passive. They do not adapt in real time to a child’s cues in the same way a human does. Excessive exposure during this sensitive window can therefore displace meaningful interactions, leading to significant developmental delays.

Older children, while not immune, are generally more resilient, as they have already established foundational social and language skills. However, excessive screen time in this group may still contribute to attention difficulties, behavioural issues, and reduced social engagement.

What can parents do?

The encouraging aspect of virtual autism is its potential reversibility if it is identified early. Reducing screen exposure, especially in children under 2 years, and reintroducing interactive play, storytelling, and face-to-face communication may lead to noticeable improvements. Ultimately, screens are tools and not substitutes for relationships. In early childhood, it is these relationships that shape the developing brain most profoundly.

For some people, getting inked is more than a passion—it is a form of self-expression. And tattoos are nothing short of an addiction; it is not easy to stop at one. Despite being a painful procedure that requires a great deal of caution—using fresh needles and safe ink, for instance—several incidents come to light where getting a tattoo goes wrong in irreversible ways. In a recent case, a man developed a weeping, black ulcer of dead flesh on his neck months after getting a tattoo. In this case, doctors blamed this reaction on the colour of the tattoo ink—it may have triggered inflammation that caused the skin to blacken and die.

A reaction from the tattoo ink

A 20-year-old man had a red cross tattoo on the base of his neck. After three months, it faded away spontaneously and was replaced by scars and bumps on either side of the neck, accompanied by a necrotic ulcer. In this case, when the tissue blackens and dies, it results in a painful wound. The unnamed man was hospitalised five months after getting his first tattoo. Doctors examining the patient found that the lymph nodes, which help fight infections, were swollen and hard. Doctors also examined a large crusted ulcer, which had spread across the base of the neck and had seeped into deeper layers of skin.

Read more: Tattoos May Increase Cancer Risk, Study Suggests

Doctors also performed an MRI and found large lumps around the ulcer that measured up to 5 cm. There were two blood clots in the jugular vein as well. Two biopsies were taken of the necrotic ulcer, but they did not reveal what may have triggered the necrosis. The team was then concerned about the scan results and how fast the patient's condition was progressing. He was then rushed into surgery, where doctors removed the ulcer along with masses on the neck. His neck was then reconstructed using fat from the thighs. The patient was then diagnosed with necrotising granulomatous lymphadenitis.

What is necrotising granulomatous lymphadenitis?

Necrotising granulomatous lymphadenitis is an inflammatory condition wherein the lymph node tissues die and form clumps of immune cells known as granulomas. This can develop in response to an injury, and in this case, doctors said that the tattoo was to blame.

Doctors said that heavy metals like cadmium and mercury in organic tattoo ink can result in an immune response. From surgery to recovery, the patient's case is published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology. Experts say that this is only the second known case of necrosis after a tattoo.

What are the riskiest spots for a tattoo?

Getting a tattoo can be painful, but for some people, the pain is worth it. However, according to experts, there are some spots that are not ideal for getting a tattoo. These are:

1. Eyes—can lead to partial or complete blindness
2. Genitals – heightened risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and infections
3. Spine – a tattoo on the spine is extremely painful, and if it goes wrong, there could be irreversible repercussions

As winter transitions into warmer summer months, many people notice a sudden worsening of dandruff. During colder months, dandruff often appears as dry, fine flakes due to scalp dryness. However, as temperatures rise and humidity increases, dandruff can become oily and sticky because of increased sweating and sebum production. This seasonal shift highlights that dandruff is not limited to a particular time of year; rather, changes in climate can disrupt scalp balance and trigger flare-ups. Dr. Anupriya Goel, MBBS, MD, DPD (UK) – Dermatology, answered this for us.

Why does dandruff recur?

Many people struggle to understand why dandruff keeps recurring. It is often treated as a temporary cosmetic concern, but in reality, dandruff is a chronic scalp condition that requires consistent care and appropriate treatment. The primary cause of dandruff is a yeast called Malassezia globosa, which naturally resides on the scalp. This microorganism feeds on sebum (the natural oils produced by the scalp). As it breaks down these oils, it releases by-products that can irritate the scalp, leading to inflammation, itching, and visible flaking.

Seasonal factors further aggravate this process. In winter, cold air, low humidity, indoor heating, and frequent hot showers can strip the scalp of its natural moisture and weaken the skin barrier, resulting in dryness and flaking. In contrast, summer brings increased sweat and oil production. The combination of humidity, sweat, and sebum creates an ideal environment for Malassezia to multiply, which can worsen dandruff symptoms.

Read here: Simple Secrets To Establishing The Right Winter Hair Care Routine

What are the external factors responsible for dandruff?

Environmental factors such as pollution can also settle on the scalp and contribute to irritation. In addition, daily habits like wearing helmets for long hours, tying up damp hair, or not cleansing the scalp regularly can further disrupt scalp health. The transition period between seasons is often the most challenging, as the scalp has limited time to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Because dandruff is often mistaken for a temporary issue, many people rely on occasional treatments or home remedies. However, effective management typically requires regular scalp-focused care using clinically proven active ingredients.

Treating dandruff

One such ingredient commonly used in anti-dandruff formulations is Piroctone Olamine, an antifungal agent that helps control the growth of Malassezia on the scalp. By reducing fungal proliferation, it helps address the underlying cause of dandruff and can assist in decreasing flaking, itching, and scalp irritation. It also helps cleanse the scalp by removing excess oil and buildup while being relatively gentle on the hair and scalp.

Read more: 7 Ayurvedic Hair Health Tips You Should Try For Healthy Locks

For optimal results, individuals experiencing recurrent dandruff may benefit from incorporating an anti-dandruff shampoo containing Piroctone Olamine into their regular hair care routine. Consistent use is important for maintaining scalp balance. During periods of increased sweating, such as in hot and humid weather, washing frequency may be increased as needed. Maintaining hygiene practices such as regularly cleaning helmets, pillowcases, and hair accessories can also help minimise recurrence.

In addition to controlling dandruff, well-formulated shampoos containing Piroctone Olamine are often combined with conditioning and moisturising ingredients that help maintain hair softness and scalp comfort while supporting long-term scalp balance.