How does sudden overhydration affect the kidneys negatively?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 34-year-old woman. I have been drinking 4 to 5 liters of water every day for the past two months after hearing that water is good for my health. However, now I am experiencing some weird symptoms. I am constantly thirsty, my urine is almost clear, and I have this nagging pain in my lower back. I am terrified that I might have messed up my kidneys or something. I read online about water intoxication, and I am freaking out. Could all this water I have been drinking have thrown off my fluid balance or damaged my kidneys? I have not had such symptoms before. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

We welcome you to icliniq family.

I appreciate the confidence you place in me for your healthcare consultation.

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, spasms or cramps, and headaches, are indicative of overhydration. This condition can lead to imbalances in electrolytes in the body, causing the loss of water-soluble vitamins. One should consume water based on their ideal body weight, with 2.43 fluid ounces per pound (40 ml per kilogram) being the total daily water requirement. If you are not currently drinking water at all, start with two glasses a day. Allow your body to adapt to this intake, and then gradually, over a week, increase it to eight glasses a day. A sudden high intake of water can potentially exhaust the kidneys. Please get your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) checked along with the renal function test (RFT) and liver function test (LFT). If the reports are abnormal, consult your physician.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.