The Danger Of Water

I am the judgment broker who writes often. Recently, I spent some time in the hospital after a sudden seizure knocked me out cold. Doctors said it was simply hyponatremia (water intoxication). I had been drinking too much liquids, which depleted my sodium levels to a dangerous degree. I quickly recovered, and have had no more seizures, and I am now off the horrible (for me) anti-seizure medicines.

I had no idea that I was drinking too much liquids and I am now very careful not to drink too much. Usually, the media and advertising messages are to keep yourself well hydrated. In 2007, a lady died in a contest to see who could drink the most water the fastest.

Water intoxication occurs when a person drinks so much liquid that their sodium levels becomes diluted so much that sodium can no longer do it's job in their cells.

Electrolytes are salt ions (atoms having an overall positive or negative charge) that cells use to move fluids and nerve messages in and out of cells in the body. Without electrolytes, the body cannot function. Water intoxication causes an electrolyte imbalance that affects concentrations of the sodium ions, which causes hyponatremia.

Take hyponatremia seriously because it can be fatal. Hyponatremia responds to medical treatment, but it takes several days, usually in a hospital.

Besides drinking too much liquids, hyponatremia can also be caused by excessive sweating, severe burns, prolonged dehydration, and certain liver and kidney problems, and rare diseases and conditions.

Death occurs when there is too much damage to cells because of depleted sodium levels. Sodium is a positively charged ion. Sodium's main job in the body is to help circulate the fluids within and outside of your cells.

Our cells actively maintain a precise sodium concentration in our bodies. Cells keep sodium levels at the right level by moving water and electrolytes in and out to either dilute or increase sodium levels in the body fluids. When someone drinks a huge amount of water (especially without added electrolytes) quickly, their cells cannot handle the depleted sodium levels.

The amount of liquids one needs to drink before water intoxication occurs varies with each individual. Symptoms of water intoxication may look like the symptoms of alcohol abuse; including nausea, altered mental state, and vomiting. Other symptoms can include headaches, muscle weakness, seizures, and convulsions. Death can occur due to brain swelling.

Athletes are more familiar with water intoxication than the average person, and they find sports drinks can help to prevent water intoxication.

--------

Mark D. Shapiro - Judgment Referral Expert  - http://www.JudgmentBuy.com - where Judgments go to get Recovered!