Excessive fluids in the body is called overhydration. Usually, this condition occurs in people participating in recreational marathonsJakarta (ANTARA) - A medical nutritionist at the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) Jakarta, Dr Diana Sunardi, forewarned of overhydration, or excessive body fluids, negatively impacting the body, triggering muscular weakness, and in certain cases, causing difficulties in moving.
That condition usually occurs in people whose fluid intake surpasses their bodies’ ability.
"Excessive fluids in the body is called overhydration. Usually, this condition occurs in people participating in recreational marathons. They drink more than their bodies require and can afford for fear of lack of fluids. The impact is overhydration since the body is unable to compensate. Overhydration can cause muscle weakness and difficulty in moving," the doctor stated during a webinar here on Wednesday.
Muscle weakness arises when sodium that the body should be obtaining from drinking water is lost due to excessive consumption of water.
"The more water you drink, the more the body fluids will come out. The sodium that the body requires is just passing through. Losing a lot of body fluids eventually causes muscle weakness and difficulty in moving," Chairman of the Indonesia Hydration Working Group (IHWG) stated.
Furthermore, the nutritionist pointed out that another dire outcome of overhydration is fainting, or loss of consciousness, and the person could even slip into a coma.
Hence, Sunardi has urged Indonesians to ensure that any surplus or shortage in hydrating the body should be avoided.
"Our bodies need balanced electrolytes. If the body's electrolytes cannot compensate for fluid intake, then the electrolytes are out of balance. Hence, ensure you drink or provide sufficient water to your body," Dr Sunardi emphasized.
The medical nutritionist expected people to continue to meet their water requirements by drinking at least eight glasses a day or around two liters daily.
During the month of fasting that necessitates individuals to endure thirst, she has advised those fasting to drink water using the 2-4-2 method.
The first two glasses are drunk at dawn, four glasses are drunk while breaking the fast or during other worship activities, such as reciting the Koran, and the last two glasses are drunk before bedtime.
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