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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.
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.
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:
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.
Water intoxication is rare, but certain scenarios can increase the risk:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Older adults, whose thirst mechanisms may decline with age, should be proactive about maintaining hydration, especially during illness or hot weather.
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.
To avoid the dangers of overhydration:
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
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In the wake of a young doctor from Chandigarh accusing a well-known private hospital of unnecessarily admitting patients to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), it is imperative to understand who truly requires critical care.
In a widely shared video posted on the social media platform Instagram, Dr Prabhleen Kaur alleged that the hospital is making the patients remain admitted in the ICU for as long as possible to mint money.
The doctor did not mention the name of the hospital. And HealthandMe could not independently verify the details and the authenticity of the post.
However, the incident reignited concerns over accountability, patient safety, and standards of care in the country.
Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Sachna Shetty, Consultant Emergency Medicine at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, said that: "ICU admissions are for patients with life-threatening conditions needing intensive support".
"This includes shock, respiratory failure, neurological emergencies, cardiac issues, and multi-organ dysfunction," the doctor added.
The NHS UK explains that intensive care units (ICUs) are specialist hospital wards that provide treatment and monitoring for people who are very ill.
They're staffed with specially trained healthcare professionals and contain sophisticated monitoring equipment.
Also called critical care units (CCUs) or intensive therapy units (ITUs), it is required in cases where a person is seriously ill and requires intensive treatment and close monitoring.
Most people in an ICU have problems with one or more organs. For example, they may be unable to breathe on their own. Some common reasons include:
"ICU beds are limited, reserved for those who'll benefit most. Decisions are time-sensitive, based on triage and clinical scoring. It's about who needs advanced life support, not just who looks critical. Fair use of resources is key," the doctor added.
India’s ICU admission guidelines—issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in January 2024 — clearly defines who should and should not be admitted to an ICU. According to the guidelines:
The guidelines stress the importance of physiological parameters returning to near-normal or baseline status.
Furthermore, reasonable resolution and stability of the acute illness that led to ICU admission are essential factors.
Patient and family agreement for ICU discharge, particularly in cases where a treatment-limiting decision or palliative care is opted for, is also highlighted.
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Modern lifestyle changes are contributing towards the rising neurological problems among young adults, said health experts today on World Health Day 2026.
World Health Day is observed annually on April 7 to mark the founding day of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 for public health worldwide. World Health Day 2026 will be observed under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.”
The health experts noted that conditions such as recurrent headaches, mild weakness, strokes, and spine disorders were traditionally more common among older adults. However, modern lifestyle changes—sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, chronic stress, and increased screen time—are now driving a surge of these neurological problems among younger populations.
“The surge in neurological conditions today is not just a clinical challenge, but a reflection of how rapidly our lifestyles are evolving. We are seeing younger patients presenting with serious issues like stroke and spine disorders, conditions that were once more age-associated. This shift makes it imperative to recognize that neurological health is closely linked to everyday habits, stress, and timely medical attention,” Dr. Gaurav Sharma, Senior Consultant - Neurology, Paras Health Panchkula, told HealthandMe.
The health experts emphasized that the threat of neurological disorders is surging silently. The conditions, ranging from recurrent headaches and mild weakness to strokes and spine disorders, often show no noticeable symptoms in the early stage.
As a result, these go unnoticed until advanced stages, which makes the role of early detection and preventive care more crucial.
“Neurological disorders often progress silently, and by the time symptoms become severe, the condition may already be advanced. One of the biggest challenges we face today is the lack of awareness around subtle early signs, whether it is recurrent headaches, mild weakness, or persistent back issues, which are frequently overlooked or ignored,” Dr. Ritu Jha, Director & HOD - Neurology, Sarvodaya Hospital Sector -8, Faridabad, told HealthandMe.

Health specialists stressed the need to boost early detection, preventive care, and lifestyle modifications to protect brain and nerve health.
They called for changing the mindset from reactive to proactive care. Early identification of symptoms and prompt intervention can dramatically alter outcomes. They recommended:
With the progress in precision-driven and minimally invasive neurosurgery, we are now better equipped than ever to treat complex conditions effectively, provided patients seek care at the right time.
“Today’s advanced surgical techniques allow us to operate with greater accuracy while minimizing trauma to the patient, leading to faster recovery and improved long-term outcomes. Bridging the gap between symptom onset and specialist consultation will be key to reducing the overall burden of these conditions,” Dr. Jha said.
A nationwide survey conducted by Local Circles, a Delhi-based community platform and citizen pulse aggregator, for World Health Day 2026, found that more than 7.3 percent of Indians are actively working on slowing aging.
The report showed that preventive healthcare has gained importance, and people are increasingly indulging in healthy practices such as lifestyle, diet, exercise, supplements, and therapy to ensure healthier, more active years.
It noted that fitness trends such as yoga, strength training, and regular physical activity, along with balanced diets rich in antioxidants, are widely promoted to maintain physical health and vitality.
Mental well-being practices, including meditation and stress management, are also being recognized as essential components of healthy aging.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, on the occasion of World Health Day 2026, reaffirmed his commitment to building a healthier society and nation.
The Prime Minister also extended gratitude to all healthcare workers for their tireless service to the public health.
He also urged citizens to work together to strengthen healthcare systems and prioritize the well-being of every individual.
“On World Health Day, we express our gratitude to all those who dedicate themselves tirelessly to the service of others and work towards a healthier planet,” PM Modi said in a post on the social media platform X.
“We also reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier society. Let us all keep working together to strengthen healthcare systems and prioritise the well-being of every individual,” he added.
The Ministry of Health also advised people not to ignore signs given by the body, such as
Union Health Minister JP Nadda highlighted India’s approach to healthcare, which combines “age-old wisdom with modern science, helping improve lives not just at home but across the world”.
Citing government initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and the PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, Nadda stated that the “strengthened healthcare system (is) making quality treatment more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for every citizen”.
The Health Minister also expressed "heartfelt gratitude to all doctors, nurses, and frontline workers whose dedication keeps our healthcare system strong. Let us all work together towards building a healthier and stronger nation”.
Meanwhile, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged citizens to make investments for their health.
Calling health "the ultimate wealth”, he said: “This #WorldHealthDay, I urge everyone to take a little more time for themselves”.
The Minister also urged people to “move more, eat better, and prioritize well-being. Let’s also encourage every member of our family to stay fit by making healthier choices together as a family. A healthy Bharat begins at home”.
World Health Day is observed annually on April 7 to mark the founding day of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 for public health worldwide.
World Health Day 2026 will be observed under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.” It highlights the role of the WHO in promoting public health, which has led to improvements in the global maternal mortality rate, falling by more than 40 percent since 2000, and a reduction of over 50 percent in deaths among children under five.
The WHO stated that science was behind every health progress, which led to improvements in global health and lives. This includes the development of
“Science is one of humanity’s most powerful tools for protecting and improving health,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
“People in every country live longer and healthier lives on average today than their ancestors did, thanks to the power of science. Vaccines, penicillin, germ theory, MRI machines, and the mapping of the human genome are just some of the achievements that science has delivered that have saved lives and transformed health for billions of people,” he added.
The WHO emphasized that science must continue to guide health decision-making at all levels.
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