How to Avoid Water Intoxication (Water Poisoning)
In recent years more and more people are becoming aware of water intoxication, also often called water poisoning. Water intoxication is when the human body has too much water compared to electrolytes. Water intoxication can cause death, and stories of water poisoning have caused a stir in recent years. Read on to learn more about how to avoid water intoxication.
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Instructions
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First, don't panic. Realize that for the majority of healthy people, water intoxication is very unlikely unless you almost try to poison yourself. Dehydration is a far more likely problem. If you're thirsty, you're in no danger of water intoxication. Not even close.
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Water intoxication is when the amount of water in the body is hugely (and unnaturally) unbalanced compared to the electrolytes in the body. This is why many athletes like sports drinks, since they help maintain that balance. Even with only water, usually someone has to be very ill, chugging a ridiculous amount of water in a very short time, or in a strenuous athletic event (marathon or triathlon level) to have any worry about water intoxication at all.
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Never have a water drinking contest. Most cases of water intoxication happened because people tried drinking 2-3 gallons in five or six minutes. Also make sure to have sports drinks during a major event or training - like a marathon or triathlon. These are the most likely reasons to suffer from water intoxication.
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It's really that easy. The kidneys of a normal healthy person can process a liter of water an hour easily. As long as you don't binge or do anything stupid, you should be able to avoid water intoxication.
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Tips & Warnings
Drink some sports drinks during days where you're going to have a lot of exertion.
Don't keep chugging water if you're not thirsty at all.
Never enter a water chugging contest.
If you feel dizzy, bloated, and nauseated, seek medical help immediately.
Resources
- Photo Credit All water images courtesy of Wikipedia Commons
