Indiana mom dies of ‘water toxicity.’ Here’s what you should know about drinking water too fast

The demise of Indiana lady Ashley Summers over the July 4th weekend has sparked dialogue in regards to the risks of water toxicity.

“Somebody mentioned she drank 4 bottles of water in 20 minutes. I imply, a median water bottle is like 16 ounces, in order that was 64 ounces that she drank in a span of 20 minutes. That is half a gallon. That is what you are alleged to drink in an entire day,” mentioned Devon Miller, Ashley’s brother, to WRTV.

Medical Information Right this moment describes water toxicity as ingesting an excessive amount of water too quick; though uncommon, the situation might be deadly. Whereas the physique clearly wants water to operate, ingesting an excessive amount of water in a short while can result in critical well being dangers, largely as a result of the kidneys can solely filter a couple of liter of water per hour.

Based on The Washington Publish, extra water may cause hyponatremia—because the elevated quantity of water dilutes the physique’s salt ranges. In excessive circumstances, this could result in mind swelling and progressive neurological signs, together with confusion, disorientation, seizures, coma and even demise.

Extreme circumstances of water intoxication can produce extra critical signs, together with:

Based on the Mayo Clinic, the U.S. Nationwide Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Drugs decided that an enough day by day fluid consumption is:

• About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for males
• About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for girls

“Purpose to drink half an oz for each pound of physique weight,” she says. “In different phrases, divide what you weigh in half and goal to eat that many total ounces of water day by day from quite a lot of sources,” Wendy Bazilian, a registered physician of public well being and nutritionist advised Forbes.

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