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traineo Community / Diet & Nutrition Tips / How much water is too much??
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Sarah Wilson
traineo Newbie
Posts: 9
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 # Posted: 26 May 2008 00:39


Hi guys, im just getting settled in, and apart from a bad day today(see my bloggy thing) I am doing ok

But I am worried I am either drinking too much, or not enough. I have replaced 90% of my fluid intake to water and increased it, but since I have ditched the soft drinks and coffee, I am forever thirsty, drinking 4 litres on some days.

I have looked around on the net and alot of sites seem to indiate that my current weight should dictate how much water I should drink, one site went as far as calculating I should be drinking 5 and a half litres

Has anyone any knowledge on this kind of stuff? Do I need to buy some arm floats so I dont drown, Or should I go with what my body is telling me and drink up like a good little girl?

Sarah
Josh Vandergrift
traineo Newbie
Posts: 2
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 # Posted: 26 May 2008 01:33


Sarah, you don't need to drink 5 and a half litres. Most important thing is to listen to your body. If you're thirsty drink more water. It may be the longing for the taste of some of those things (soda, coffee) that is causing that fixation.

I don't think there is a set unit per bodyweight that you "have" to drink. But definitely be careful not to drink too much water because it can be toxic.

Good luck!
Imran Chaudhry
traineo Newbie
Posts: 21
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 # Posted: 26 May 2008 02:35


I would agree that drinking too much watch can be toxic but waiting untill your thirsty is your bodies response asking for water immediately. Meaning, drink water so you dont have to be thirsty. Remember, you are drinking a good amount of water which will not allow your body to confuse hunger for just thirst. If you check the color of your urine, you should be able to see your bodies response to the amount of water you are consuming. Also, if you feel like your taking to much make sure to take an electrolyte packet.
Thomas F
traineo Newbie
Posts: 1
Post History
 # Posted: 26 May 2008 07:21


I have also been told that when your body is craving something it can be because of a deficiency... are you taking a multi-vitamin, or any other kinds of supplements to make sure you have all the right nutrition? If you are thirsty, drink! Maybe try some fruit or vegetable juices as well. Of course I am not a doc... and that could be the best advice. Ask your doctor!
Minu ~
The Master
Posts: 2592
Post History
 # Posted: 26 May 2008 09:01 - Edited by: Minu


Sarah, are you working out? If so is it often and intensely, yeilding buckets of sweat flying off you?

I know that sometimes in one session I can weigh in a kilo lighter after and that tells me to get guzzling.

As for how much per day, I go by a couple of different rules of thumb: one being, if your urine is on the light side then you are likely hydrated, the other is if your mouth is never dry, you're probably good to go.

Hope that's of some use.

& welcome, Newbies.



Ms. M.
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 113
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 # Posted: 26 May 2008 11:45


Ummm... I don't want to worry you or anything, but being thirsty all the time is a symptom of diabetes - maybe you should go to the doc just in case!!! My mum is diabetic and before she was diagnosed she was really thirsty all the time and craving sugary drinks, so it sounds kinda familiar...

Of course it could be just the fact that you are giving those things up so are simply having cravings - but if it continues I would see a doctor to put your mind at ease!
Sarah Wilson
traineo Newbie
Posts: 9
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 # Posted: 26 May 2008 16:26


Ta for the advice, no I am not working out, I am walking on the treadmill, but only gently at the moment, doc says I need to lose some more before I start doing anything too active, and no I am not diabetic, I have regular tests as my mum is.

I do have an a mild case of Christian-Webbers disease which attacks my immune system, so I have been taking multi vits for some time as an extra boost.

Im wondering if its because I have increased my water intake, my body has now discovered something it has been missing so the craving is to make sure I dont stop?

As long as I am not harming myself from drinking so much, Im happy


Dave Nicholson
The Master
Posts: 2094
Post History
 # Posted: 27 May 2008 15:47


How much water is too much??


when you've diluted your sodium levels enough to encourage a heart attack.
Shawn W.
Fitness Guru
Posts: 490
Post History
 # Posted: 27 May 2008 16:35


I drink about 3-4 liters while @ work. I also consume 3-4 protein shakes (1 cup milk 1 srving powder).

However I workout during lunch, and take the stairs.

Do I drink to much? Nah but my dad who used to put away 250+ oz of water a day did... doctor told him he had to cut down...

I try to mix up my water some too with a flavor packet. I also make sure I take some salt via eggs for seasoning.
Dave Nicholson
The Master
Posts: 2094
Post History
 # Posted: 27 May 2008 17:04


FWIW, I drink approx. 3-4L per day and have never had any issue w/ that, aside from visiting the rest room more often than I'd like...
Shawn W.
Fitness Guru
Posts: 490
Post History
 # Posted: 27 May 2008 17:12


Yes... the good old rest room...

the folks who sit near the door smile at me as they see who wins the pool for the # of times I visit each day..
Rachael M
The Master
Posts: 2316
Post History
 # Posted: 27 May 2008 17:12


Quoting: squarey1
Im wondering if its because I have increased my water intake, my body has now discovered something it has been missing so the craving is to make sure I dont stop?


I would be willing to bet that this is probably exactly what is going on. You cannot get water poisoning unless you are like chugging water - as in a water chugging contest or something. But, yeah, Shawn 250 ounces of water in a day. Wow, that is a lot.
Minu ~
The Master
Posts: 2592
Post History
 # Posted: 27 May 2008 17:12


I usually only drink about 2L/day, (unless it's sweltering summer, then it's about 3), as I too can only spend so much damn time whizzing already!
Cardio King
Fitness Guru
Posts: 1784
Post History
 # Posted: 27 May 2008 17:40


Wow...I must have a low tolerance. About 1L will have me visiting the potty every 15 minutes for 4 hours straight...

I have no idea how much I drink a day though. I don't even pay attention. I just drink.
Angie H
Fitness Guru
Posts: 718
Post History
 # Posted: 27 May 2008 17:58


Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. I've read several articles that say a human's thirst response is so weak that by the time you get thirsty you are already partially dehydrated. If you're visiting the bathroom every 5 minutes, I would guess you could cut back. However, more hydration makes a little easier on your kidneys and other vital organs to do their job. Excess water is just sent out the pipes.
Cynthia P
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 180
Post History
 # Posted: 27 May 2008 20:37


If it makes you feel any better... I drink a gallon a day. MORE on exercise days! And it's still sometimes a battle to keep my urine on the light side. It's not likely to hurt you unless you drink it all at once, which I don't. At that, I still wake up feeling very dry and thirsty. Note: I do live in a drier climate.

Be sure you get some salt in your diet, especially if exercising. Otherwise, if you eat a healthy diet, I wouldn't worry about drinking plenty. I think if you are overweight, you do need more than a normal weight person.

I definitely know *I* need this much water... if I drink less, not only does the hydration level on my Tanita scale start to drop, but my eyes get dry feeling, my skin suffers and I get headaches. So I drink and feel good. Individual needs definitely differ!
Stand Up Bean
Fitness Guru
Posts: 434
Post History
 # Posted: 27 May 2008 20:42


Quoting: fauxvirgo
Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.

interesting. kind of sucks though. i think i read something from rachael many moons ago saying something like "if i am going to drink something, i'm going to turn it up." that's basically how i am, chugging back an entire glass or building up a thirst. i have to try to get into the habit of sipping, though i get plenty of water throughout the day, just looking at the numbers.
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