Just like planet Earth, the human body is made up of about the same percentage of water – approximately 70%. People need water in one form or another, in other to survive. Water is required in almost all biological processes, chemical reactions and mechanical actions that take place in the body. Mental and physical exertions demand it in full measure. As a major component of the blood, water delivers oxygen to every cell in the body and carries away waste materials for excretion. It also ionizes salt, producing electrolytes necessary for electrical activity across cell membranes. Water is essential for the proper utilization of protein in the body and the maintenance of the nerve network during learning.
With all of its life-sustaining effects, when does water becomes a poison, you might ask.
Water intoxication, also known as hyperhydration or water poisoning, is a potentially fatal medical condition in which an individual’s intake of water exceeds a safe amount. This is attributed to various causes, especially when osmotic pressure, which affects passive transport in the body, is upset.
What happens to the body during hyperhydration? Drinking water in the absence of dietary sodium results to hyponatremia, an over dilution of sodium in the blood plasma, which in turn causes an osmotic shift of water from the blood plasma into the brain cells.
Brain cells swell as a result of osmotic pressure, and ultimately cease to function. At the same time, many other cells in the body may undergo cytolysis. This means that the cell membranes that are unable to withstand excessive osmotic pressure explode, killing the cell.
Initial symptoms observed are light-headedness, accompanied by nauseam vomiting headache and malaise. Plasma sodium levels below 100 mmol/L frequently result in cerebral edema, seizures, coma and death within a few hours of drinking excess water. As with alcohol overdose, the progression of symptoms from mild to severe may occur rapidly as the body continues to absorb water from the stomach.
Who are at high risk of water intoxication? Runners (especially marathon athletes), diabetics, Ecstasy users, psychiatric patients and other people engaged in strenuous activities are prone to it if they drink only pure water.
The best way to prevent water intoxication is to drink liquids in moderation and to ensure that their daily intake includes sufficient electrolytes. Sports drinks are popular among athletes because they provide the necessary electrolytes to support extended exercise. The recommended amount of sodium intake based on a 2000-calorie diet is 2.5 grams every 24 hours. This will keep the body fluids balanced.
E.P.Azucena
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