Prevent "Water Intoxication" in Midsummer
As the hot midsummer arrives, to quench their thirst, many people like to drink large amounts of water. In the general impression, drinking more water is a good thing, but experts remind that excessive water intake can lead to "water intoxication."
During the midsummer season, under the scorching sun, some people, when feeling extremely thirsty or after intense exercise, gulp down a lot of water at once, feeling very refreshed and thirsty, not realizing this is an incorrect way of drinking water.
Health and wellness experts point out that when people sweat, they not only lose water but also lose salt. If you only drink water after sweating, the water absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract is then excreted through sweat, causing further loss of salt. Constant drinking and excessive sweating will deplete more and more salt from the blood. With a low salt content in the blood, its ability to absorb water decreases, and water will enter the cells through the cell membrane, leading to hypotonic dehydration and cell swelling. This results in "water intoxication" symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, muscle pain, and cramps. Both long-term excessive water intake and a large amount of water consumed in a short time can cause "water intoxication."
Health experts state that to prevent water intoxication, one must drink water scientifically. First, drink an appropriate amount of light salt water to replenish the body's salt. Second, drink water slowly, and do not drink too much or too quickly at one time. Third, do not drink water that is too cold.
Health experts also add that in the summer, more water is needed, and it is best to drink four glasses of water a day. Drink one glass upon waking in the morning to cleanse the intestines and promote bowel movements. Drink one glass at noon to help lower blood pressure. Drink one glass in the evening to flush the bladder and clear urine. Drink one glass half an hour before bedtime to help nourish the heart and calm the mind.