09/29/2016    

PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS

MI Podiatrist Discusses Overhydration

 

The best way to know if your body really needs more water is to be consciously aware of whether or not you actually feel thirsty. "Our bodies are so programmed to fight against dehydration because we’ve always been living in fear of scarcity or not having enough, so we have all of these built-in mechanisms to protect us against that," says  Tamara Hew-Butler, DPM, PhD, an exercise science professor at Oakland University. "One of these mechanisms that all animals have is thirst. Thirst is every body’s individual monitor that lets them know if they need more. The more water you need, the thirstier you get." These are unexpected reasons you’re always thirsty.

Dr. Tamara Hew-Butler

 

The symptoms of overhydration look a lot like those of dehydration, according to Dr. Hew Butler. When you drink too much water, your kidneys become unable to get rid of the excess liquid and water starts to collect in the body. This can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, often including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

 

Source: Lianna Roth Hurst, Reader's Digest  [9/27/16]