Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Maddison. Maddison Wonders, “Why do we get water poison if water is good for us?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Maddison!

What healthy habits do you practice each day? Do you go for a walk? Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables? Maybe you spend some quiet time taking care of your mental health. Of course, we know many of our Wonder Friends already know how important it is to drink water!

It’s true, water plays a big part in keeping you healthy. That should come as no surprise, as much of your body is made of this clear liquid. It keeps your cells healthy and your body working the way it should. But did you know too much water can poison you?

Water poisoning, also known as hyperhydration or water intoxication, is a rare condition that can be life-threatening. It happens when a person drinks more water than their kidneys can process. This lowers the amount of sodium in their blood to dangerous levels. 

You may already know that high levels of sodium can be unhealthy. That’s true, but low levels are also a big problem. Having too little sodium in the body causes the cells to swell. This can result in serious issues, including swelling of the brain.

What are the symptoms of water poisoning? Headache, nausea, and fatigue are common. So is cramping or weakness in the muscles. If a person loses consciousness or has a seizure, they need medical attention right away. In these cases, water poisoning can be deadly.

Avoiding water poisoning may seem easy—just don’t drink too much water. However, some situations make this easier said than done. Periods of heavy exercise, such as running a marathon, will lead to increased water intake. It’s important to balance the amount of water you drink with the amount your body loses through sweat. This can help you stay healthy while exercising.

So, how much water should a person drink each day? For years, many experts have recommended 64 ounces per day. However, the actual amount needed will vary for each person. Today, more doctors say people should drink water when they feel thirsty. If you’re worried about your water intake, talk to your doctor. They’ll be able to help you develop a healthy habit.

Water does play an important role in keeping you healthy. It helps your body digest food, protects your organs, and helps regulate your body temperature. It also carries nutrients and oxygen to your cells. But, like most things, too much of it can cause problems. 

How do you make sure you’re getting the right amount of water each day? Learning to monitor your water intake can be difficult. Talking with a trusted adult can help you decide how to build and maintain this healthy habit.

Standards: CCRA.R.4, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.W.4, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.SL.2

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