I drink a lot of water... like 170 oz. throughout the day... I'm wondering if there's any downsides to this. I don't force it... I really love drinking water (I drink nothing besides it) Also, now that I'm breastfeeding ... i get even more thirsty.
Any downsides? And can drinking too much water make you RETAIN it??? Thanks
2007-12-25 16:10:17 · 4 answers · asked by Pumpkin 2 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
The only downside to drinking a lot of water is the potential for hyponatremia, which is an electrolyte imbalance. It happens on occasion when someone has drunk truly EXCESSIVE amounts of water, and they excrete too much potassium causing irregular heart rhythms.
Drinking excess amounts of water will NOT make you retain water.
I'm more concerned with the fact that you're so thirsty DESPITE this water consumption. This could be a symptom of diabetes, especially given that you are presumably recently post-partum. You need to talk with your doctor and be checked for diabetes as soon as possible, both for your own health, and the health of your baby.
Good luck!
2007-12-25 16:18:47 · answer #1 · answered by crazeecatlady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Salt makes you retain water. However, too much water can be harmful to you. Have you read that story about a fraternity where a boy was forced to drink water all day for his initiation and died? But I believe he drank gallons and gallons of water. Too much of anything is not healthy for you.
2007-12-26 00:21:11 · answer #2 · answered by Sassy Shih Tzu 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I use to drink that much water, about 5 liters a day. I stopped because one day at work I felt too diluted, like I was gonna pass out and fall down backwards. Now I only drink at least 2 to 3 liters a day. I don't know how it would be for you, especially if you're breastfeeding, but if you don't feel diluted and feel like you're gonna pass out like I did, then I don't see the harm. But maybe tone it down a bit, like keep it less than 5 liters a day, just to be on the safeside.
2007-12-26 00:20:54 · answer #3 · answered by Yos 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Drinking too much water won't make you retain water but it can flush out necessary salts and minerals. Some people have been known to die of water poisoning but if you are eating healthy and your baby is doing ok I wouldn't worry.
2007-12-26 00:19:09 · answer #4 · answered by knittinmama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋