During the summer and the high heat, we constantly hear that we must stay well hydrated. Be aware, however, that drinking too much water can lower blood sodium levels and cause symptoms ranging from fatigue to coma.
- In summer, it is necessary to be well hydrated but drinking too much water can lead to hyponatremia, a lack of sodium in the blood.
- Hyponatremia causes various symptoms ranging from physical fatigue to coma, for the most serious cases.
- The elderly, certain chronically ill people or people on special treatment are at greater risk.
Drinking water is essential in hot weather, but not too much. Because consuming too much water puts you at risk of hyponatremia, a deficiency of sodium in the blood. As reminded by Ministry of HealthIt’s about a “serious complication often overlooked”.
Symptoms of varying severity
Hyponatremia can manifest itself in different ways. Initially, it is characterized by fatigue, nausea or vomiting. People with liver failure or heart failure may also develop edema. Sometimes this pathology can lead to neuropsychiatric symptoms such as lethargy, confusion, convulsions and, in the worst case, coma.
We are not all equal in the face of the risk of hyponatremia, the body of the elderly has more difficulty in compensating for the imbalances linked to excess fluid intake,“especially from a certain age when perspiration changes or even disappears” adds the Ministry of Health. Certain pathologies are also risk factors for hyponatremia: malnutrition, kidney failure, heart failure, liver failure, respiratory failure, cystic fibrosis, endocrine problems (thyroid, diabetes, etc.), cancer or neuropsychiatric diseases. Taking certain medications can also cause a drop in the level of sodium in the blood.
What precautions to take?
Certain precautions are necessary for those most prone to hyponatremia. First, hydration should not depend solely on water, as food is also an important contributor. Thus, the Ministry of Health recommends “to always take a drink with a varied diet and, if necessary, to split meals in order to maintain a sufficient salt intake in the body (bread, soup, etc.)”.
To create artificial perspiration, it can be useful to moisten and air the skin. People under medical treatment or following a special diet (such as a low sodium diet) should consult a doctor in hot weather to adjust to the temperatures.
#Heat wave | Excessive water consumption can be a source of#Hyponatremia.
⚠ Elderly, chronically ill, people taking certain medications:
consult your doctor to adapt your diets and drug treatments. pic.twitter.com/VD1dlPmbhv– Ministry of Solidarity and Health (@Sante_Gouv) July 18, 2022
