Let’s explore the health risks of drinking *too much* or not enough water.
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| Hello, and happy Monday! Hydration check: When was the last time you drank water? If you can’t remember, go find some and take a sip before we dive in. Dehydration is a serious health risk, and it can even lead to early aging. We cover these risks in our feature story below. |
| Today’s newsletter is full of other hydration topics, like: |
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Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
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Written by Morgan Mandriota
April 25, 2024 • 4 min read |
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| Rapid aging, chronic disease, and other health risks of dehydration |
Without replacing the water you naturally lose through sweat and pee, you may become dehydrated. What’s the big deal? Well, complications may include headaches, heat exhaustion, kidney failure, seizures, and disorientation.
Newer research suggests that poor hydration can even accelerate aging and raise your risk of chronic illness or death.
How do I know if I’m dehydrated? Symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, dry mouth, dry skin, increased thirst, decreased urination, and constipation. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, speak with a doctor to see if it’s due to dehydration or something else.
Can I treat dehydration? Yes! If you have more severe symptoms of dehydration, like loose or bloody stool or an inability to keep down water, seek professional medical treatment ASAP. Otherwise, you can make rehydration and electrolyte drinks at home.
Prevention is also key, so try to drink daily recommended fluid amounts, dress cooler in hotter months, and always replenish lost fluids with water and electrolytes.
Read more about dehydration:
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| Editor faves with health perks |
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| Guayaki Yerba Mate, Unsweetened Terere |
| Want a burst of energy without the sugar rush? People swear by drinking yerba mate, but this Guayaki drink, in particular, is beloved for its delicious taste and energy boosting power. |
| The yerba mate leaves are naturally caffeinated, comparable to the strength of coffee. This unique tea offers impressive health benefits, too, like mental focus, lower blood sugar levels, infection protection, and more. |
| Not a fan of yerba mate? Check out this list of other natural energy drinks. |
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| Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. |
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| Why on earth are you so thirsty all the time? |
Polydipsia is the official name for excessive thirst. That constant urge to chug water throughout the day could simply be your body’s way of saying, “Hey, give me more water, please!” But depending on your hydration levels, it may also signal an underlying health condition.
What causes excessive thirst? Here are five potential reasons why you might always feel thirsty:
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eating salty or spicy foods |
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strenuous exercise |
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certain prescription medications |
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diabetes or other medical conditions |
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heart, liver, or kidney failure |
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To learn more, check out our article on reasons for excessive thirst.
How is polydipsia diagnosed and treated? Speaking with a doctor is always the best move if you suspect you may be abnormally thirsty. A medical professional will ask questions, review your medical history, and order tests to check your health and lead you to a potential diagnosis.
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Can you drink too much water?
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(Find the answer at the end of this email)
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| Can you drink too much water? |
| Yes!
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Overhydration is very rare yet possible. This can happen from increased water intake, if your kidneys are retaining too much water, or certain medical conditions like liver disease. Water toxicity, or water poisoning, can lead to serious health issues, so be mindful to manage your consumption to no more than 9–13 cups of fluid per day.
Keep reading about overhydration:
Tell us: Did you know that you could overhydrate? (I didn’t!) Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com.
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Thanks for reading! We hope we didn’t drown you in hydration topics today. We’ll be back in your inbox on Wednesday. See you then.
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