How much water is too much for over hydration?

Excess of anything is bad for health – Ayurveda defines ideal quantities of water intake

There is no doubt that water is an ultimate refresher.

It is the best drink for dehydration. Water flushes the toxins out of your body. Improves blood circulation. Aids digestion. Clears skin. Enhances brain power.

It is the elixir of life.

But, does that suggest that you should gulp down gallons of water?

Medical experts beg to differ. There is a thing called water intoxication. Sports physicians are well aware of this term.

Dealing with an aquaholic

Once a patient visited my clinic with complaints of unplanned weight loss, body aches, and excess urination.

On probing about his diet and lifestyle, it came to light that the patient was an aquaholic. He consumed around seven liters of water in a day. As a result of his habit, he suffered from many trivial issues.

The excess water in the body resulted in increased urination. This continued even throughout the night. Thus, impacting his sleep and resulting in insomnia.

He also reported restlessness and behavioral changes. Excess water in the body and frequent urge to urinate resulted in constant distraction. As a result of this, he developed irritability and a sour mood.

Treatment – Regulate your water intake

After studying the symptoms and the possible root causes, it became clear that his troubles were rooted in the glass of water. I suggested he reduce his fluid intake.

Scientifically, drinking one to two liters of water in a day is more than enough. But people often think the more the better. There are many health enthusiasts who consume much more than four liters in a day.

When I revealed that he was drinking way too much water. He asked me if there is an ideal marker for daily water intake. If there is a specific quantity of daily water intake recommended in Ayurveda.

The answer is yes!

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of balance.

According to Ayurveda, everything when done in moderation is good.

Ayurveda was the first medicinal stream that spoke against the excess consumption of water. This is now becoming a popular opinion among contemporary healthcare experts.

Ayurvedic texts stated excess water intake causes excessive sweating and insomnia.

Ayurveda asks: Are you drinking right?

According to Ayurveda, the need to drink water is to quench the thirst. It says one must drink water only when thirsty. The body is well-equipped to communicate its needs. We just have to listen.

Reading the indications, like thirst, dry skin, fatigue, etc. one can increase their water intake. Similarly, the indication of excessive sweat and urination might indicate a decreased need for water intake.

Another way to check if you are drinking the right amount of water is to the color of your urine. If the urine appears to be dark yellow in color instead of clear or straw-colored, it indicates the need to drink water. Water consumption should be need-based.

One must avoid excess intake considering its adverse effects.      

Also Read: Should you drink warm water before bed?

Ayurvedic Doctor reveals Ideal water intake

The requirement for water in the body depends on a lot of factors. From the height and weight of an individual to their lifestyle and genes. Thus, it is difficult to give a generalized number that would fit all.

However, modern science presents a numerical value for reference.

• It says adult women would require around 1.6 liters of fluid intake.
• For men, the fluid water intake is about 2 liters.

Here, the reference of fluid intake includes the consumption of all kinds of drinks and beverages including tea, coffee, and milk. The water in fruits and vegetables also counts.

However, it does say that there are certain exceptions in which the water intake might be increased. In certain health conditions, the doctor might suggest a different requirement for water intake.

Similarly, during pregnancy and breastfeeding the requirement for water in the body increases. Even people who engage in exercise, their body demand increased water intake.

The purpose of water is to regulate the body’s temperature and ensure hydration! 

The ideal daily water intake varies based on several factors including age, gender, body weight, physical activity, and environmental temperature.

Here are some general guidelines from studies:

• For adult men and women, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends about 3.7 liters (or about 13 cups) for men and 2.7 liters (or about 9 cups) for women of total water intake per day.
• An additional amount is needed for people who are physically active or live in hot climates.
• It’s also important to note that total water intake can come from all sources, including beverages and foods.

It’s essential to drink enough water for proper hydration, but it’s also possible to overhydrate, which can be dangerous. It’s best to listen to your body and drink when you’re thirsty.

Also Read: Hot Water and Weight Loss

Conclusion: Ayurveda on your water intake

The amount of water intake in an individual is a personal requirement. Thus, giving a fixed numerical value is not possible. However, the simple way to understand the ideal amount is by listening to the body.

Here are a few tips to follow

• Drink only when you are thirsty.
• Limit your intake of beverages and drinks.
• Cut down on alcohol as it makes you feel more thirsty.
• Avoid eating too much sweet or salt, this increases thirst.
• Don’t drink too much water before bedtime.
• Avoid drinking water right after your meals.