Brooke Shields Suffered Seizure from Overhydration, Raises Awareness About Water Toxicity Risk

The actress shares her ordeal of having a seizure due to overhydration caused by low sodium levels, highlighting the dangers of water toxicity and misconceptions about 'adequate' water consumption.

• Actress Brooke Shields suffered a seizure due to overhydration, caused by excessively drinking water without realizing she had low sodium levels; symptoms of her seizure included being disoriented and even 'frothing at the mouth.'
• Dr. Jonathan Parker of Mayo Clinic in Arizona explains that while it is rare, overconsumption of water can dilute blood sodium levels, potentially leading to seizures, as it disturbs the balance of electrolytes in our bodies.
• Drinking too much water rapidly can result in a condition called water toxicity or hyponatremia, which can prove fatal in severe cases; In July, an Indiana mother died after drinking four bottles of water in less than 30 minutes.
• The recommended daily intake of fluids, according to the Mayo Clinic, is 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women in moderate climates; this includes not just water but other beverages and moisture from foods.
• To mitigate the risk of water toxicity, it is advised to drink water when thirsty and no more than one liter per hour; regular checks for hydration could include checking urine color - if it's light yellow or almost clear, you're hydrated, while darker color might indicate a need for more water.

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