Dehydration vs. overhydration

Let’s explore the health risks of drinking *too much* or not enough water. [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( IN a nutshell 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: • [A natural energy drink beloved by many]( • [Reasons why you’re thirsty all the time]( • [Can you drink *too much* water?]( • [Pee colors, explained]( Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota June 5, 2023 • 4 min read [Rapid aging, chronic disease, and other health risks of dehydration]( what’s got us buzzing [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: - [What to know about dehydration headaches]( - [The link between blood pressure and dehydration]( - [How much water do you need to drink per day?]( - [YouTube video: What do you see when you pee?]( great finds Editor faves with health perks [Guayaki Yerba Mate, Unsweetened Terere]( [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](. [Shop now]( 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. [Why on earth are you so thirsty all the time?]( Monday Kick Start [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: • eating salty or [spicy foods]( • strenuous exercise • certain prescription medications • [diabetes]( or other medical conditions • heart, liver, or kidney failure 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. Health Hype Can you drink too much water? (Find the answer at the end of this email) health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 💧 [Urine color chart.]( Which pee colors are normal, and when is it time to visit the doctor? Review this color chart and article for more information. 💊 [How opioids affect the brain and body.]( Learn the short-term and long-term side effects of using opioids, why there’s such a high risk of dependence, and how to use them more safely. 🦴 [Vitamins, minerals, and supplements for bones and joints.]( Let’s discuss which ones can help support better bone and joint health, plus safety considerations to keep in mind. 🧠[ADHD self-assessment test.]( Think you might be living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Take this test to check your symptoms and see if you should speak with a therapist. Health Hype Answer Can you drink too much water? Yes! [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: - [Everything you need to know about overhydration]( - [What happens if you drink too much water?]( Tell us: Did you know that you could overhydrate? (I didn’t!) Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com. 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. Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by emotional support water bottles. [fb]( [tiktok]( [insta]( [View in browser]( Did a friend send you this email? [Subscribe here.]( To see all newsletters, [click here.]( [Privacy]( | [Unsubscribe]( Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001