Be Wary Of Dehydration, But You Can Overhydrate, Too
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- As Minnesotans try to beat the heat, there's also the danger of drinking too much water.
If you drink too much within a certain time span, serious health problems could arise.
It's called hyponatremia.
"Usually they feel weak and they get confused -- they may feel nauseated," said Dr. Bill Roberts, of Phalen Village Clinic. "They may think they are dehydrated. That's part of the problem. They drink too much."
Roberts said when the sodium level in one's blood becomes too low, it causes cells to swell -- including those in your brain.
"Early on you will see people with headache, don't feel quite right," he said. "They are puffy – their watch is too tight, rings are too tight. Things like that show your cells are swelling from getting too much water in the system."
A good way to test yourself is to look at your urine.
"If your pee is dark like apple juice, you are not getting enough water," he said. "If it is clear you are getting too much."
The symptoms to watch for are swelling, nausea, vomiting and confusion.
