I heard that if you drink alot of water it will flush the electrolytes out of your body. Hard on Kidneys also?

Answer 1

Yes, you can cause electrolyte imbalances by force drinking water. Water does not contain electrolytes, and only contains trace amounts of minerals. We get those nutrients from the foods we eat. Water does not 'flush' electrolytes from us either, but too much can disturb the concentration of electrolytes in our body fluid. Drinking overly large amounts of water causes diarrhea. Diarrhea flushes the foods (with their nutrients) out of the body before it can absorb them. Forcing large amounts of water can mimic the symptoms of fluid volume overload. A condition that normally occurs with heart failure. Much more dangerous because instead of progressing symptoms, that can be treated as a person experiences heart failure, fluid forcing causes it to happen almost instantly. You could easily be in distress long before anyone realizes what's wrong with you.

Electrolyte imbalances disrupt the electrical impulses that control nerve function. Heart arrhythmias are a common side effect, and can easily become life threatening. It is also possible to collect fluid in the lungs, and in effect, drown oneself. Yes, it can also be hard on the kidneys, but if a human goes overboard drinking water, it's likely they won't be around long enough to suffer the effects of poorly functioning kidneys.

Answer 2

I suppose if you drank gallons and gallons of water it might be hard on your body and electrolytes. However, everyone should be drinking at least 8, 8oz. cups of WATER every day for health reasons. If you have swelling or fluid on your body (hands and feet) you can flush it out by drinking a bit more water, like 10-12 cups. Hard on your kidneys? No, I don't think so unless you have kidney disease. And if you're eating, you don't have to worry about the electrolyte problem. If you were fasting or had diarrhea, it would be a problem. So drink up! The human body is 90% water anyway! Thanks for asking a good question that's educational to others! Godloveya.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Actually, it's the opposite of that. Water provides your body with electroytes and is very important to flushing out toxins from your body. It actually helps your kidneys as it is helping cleansing process.

However, you can become "water logged" which means you drink too much water, which is harmful to your body. To do so, depending on diet and exercise, that's usually 2 litres of water or more a day. Stick to approximatley 8-10 cups of water a day, plus more if you are exercising and you will be doing your body a lot of good.

Answer 5

Hi, to actually harm your body you must drink and enormous amount of water. Water IS good for you, it speeds up your metabolism and flushes the kidneys (which is good for your kidneys). You should drink 8 - 10 8 oz glasses of water a day.

Answer 6

The only thing I know of that will flush out your electrolytes is sweating too much during excercise, getting dehydrated from not drinking enough fluids and taking fluid pills without replacing the fluids with water. Drink you water it is good for you.

Answer 7

Too much water will reduce your electrolytes, dangerously depending on the amount. And since the kidneys can only process so much water, any additional over that amount could cause you to drown in your own tissues. A radio station recently had a stunt where to win a prize people had to drink water without using the toilet, whoever drank the most wins. A nurse was listening and called to warn them that this was dangerous. The DJ's laughed at her. A woman died, a young mother of 3 I believe.

Answer 8

You need at least 2L of water per day, if you get less your body will work inefficiently.

I suppose if you drank upwards of 5L a day without any exercise you'd maybe flush out the good, but I doubt anyone can stomach that much for a prolonged period.

Besides if you're worried, add a pinch of sea salt to your water.

Answer 9

You have to drink alot of water for it to become dangerous. I totally love the "water diet" as I call it. I drink alot of water instead of eating. Don't over do it....They say to drink 8-10 glass's of water a day. I believe they are only 8 oz's each though. It is true what you heard but you have to drink alot!

Answer 10

no this is definaly not true...it is only true in the case of water toxicity which the average person will not do. Water is needed and very good for the kidneys...we are mostly water so drink up.