How much water should you drink a day

There are risks of drinking too little or too much water.

Your body is constantly using and losing fluids through actions like sweating and urinating.

General recommendations

Dehydration happens when your body loses more water or fluid than it takes in.

Symptoms of dehydration can range from being extremely thirsty to feeling fatigued. You may also notice you aren’t urinating as frequently or that your urine is dark.

In children, dehydration may cause a dry mouth and tongue, lack of tears while crying, and fewer wet diapers than usual.

Dehydration may lead to:

Mild dehydration may be treated by drinking more water and other fluids.

If you have severe dehydration, you may need treatment at the hospital.

Your doctor will likely give you intravenous (IV) fluids and salts until your symptoms go away.

Drinking too much water may be dangerous to your health as well. When you drink too much, the extra water can dilute the electrolytes in your blood.

Your sodium levels decrease and can lead to what is called hyponatremia.

Symptom

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