A gym enthusiast, Claire Cameron, was shocked when her doctor warned her that drinking four liters of water a day could be slowly killing her. Despite being in good shape and training for a marathon, Cameron’s blood test results showed alarming low levels of sodium in her body.
Sodium is essential for regulating fluid levels and controlling blood pressure. However, excessive water consumption can cause hyponatremia, leading to serious complications such as brain swelling, seizures, coma, and even death.
Cameron, who was drinking up to four liters of water daily, had consumed more liquids than she thought. Her doctor advised her to cut back on fluids and drink only one liter a day for several days to bring her sodium levels back to a healthy baseline.
Two years later, Cameron has learned from her experience and now monitors her water intake more closely. She uses an electrolyte mix called LMNT during intense physical activity and also consumes table salt to maintain healthy sodium levels in her body.
Claire’s story is not unique. Researchers estimate that 3-6 million Americans suffer from hyponatremia every year, or one in 100 people. The condition can be more common in older adults due to medications or underlying conditions that lower sodium levels.
While excessive water consumption is a risk factor for hyponatremia, it’s essential to note that drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining proper hydration. However, individuals should aim to consume fluids responsibly and listen to their bodies’ thirst signals.
As the weather continues to rise in heatwaves across the US, researchers suspect that water toxicity may be on the increase. The condition requires immediate medical attention if symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, chest pain, or trouble breathing occur.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-15011833/The-dire-warning-doctor-gave-told-water-drink-day.html