Tainan Municipal Hospital issued a warning on Tuesday about the dangers of overhydration, highlighting that drinking too much water can lead to water intoxication, a condition that can cause serious health issues.
Water intoxication occurs when the body retains excessive water, leading to a chemical imbalance that it cannot eliminate naturally through sweating or urination. Symptoms of the condition range from vomiting and bloating to confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, coma.
While emphasizing the importance of hydration, the hospital explained that proper water intake optimizes cell function, boosts metabolism, aids in weight control, and improves digestion. However, it is crucial to balance water consumption to avoid potential harm.
Huang Chia-hung, a kidney specialist at Taichung Hospital, recommended that individuals with normal kidney function aim to drink an average of 2,000 milliliters of water daily. He noted that individual hydration needs vary depending on factors such as age, weight, and occupation.
Tainan Municipal Hospital’s nutritionist, Chang Hsiu-ju, suggested replacing sugary drinks with water to reduce calorie intake and stabilize blood sugar levels. She also recommended adding lemon, mint, or fruit slices to water to increase vitamin and antioxidant consumption.
Chang also discussed the benefits of unsweetened tea, which contains caffeine and theophylline—mild diuretics. She explained that tea can help alleviate anxiety, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and slow brain degeneration.
However, Yen Tzung-hai, director of the Clinical Poison Center at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, recommended limiting tea consumption to 600 milliliters per day. He also advised drinking tea one to two hours after meals to avoid interference with calcium and iron absorption. Yen added that moderate tea consumption can help reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Stay tuned to The Asia Review for further updates on this important health topic.
