Overhydration: A boon or bane

Abstract

Water is necessary for human cells to function properly. However, consuming more water than necessary might lead to overhydration, which could have major negative effects on one's health. Water intoxication, also known as dilutional hyponatremia, only occurs when a person consumes more water than their kidneys can ordinarily excrete. If the balance between water (fluid) and electrolytes is not kept, dehydration and overhydration can cause morbidity and mortality. Overhydration is associated with cardiopulmonary problems, hyponatremia, edoema, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and surgical complications. To gain a thorough understanding of the causes of and effects of overhydration on human health, a literature study was conducted.