What Happens When You Drink Too Much Water? (Water Intoxication)

Water is essential for life, but consuming too much of it can lead to a potentially dangerous condition called water intoxication. While it is rare for someone to accidentally drink an excessive amount of water, it can happen, particularly during endurance sports or military training. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what happens when you drink too much water, the symptoms of water intoxication, and how to prevent and treat this condition.

What Is Too Much Water Intake?

Drinking too much water, also known as water intoxication or hyponatremia, occurs when you consume more water than your kidneys can eliminate. The kidneys can remove approximately 0.8 to 1.0 liters of water per hour, but drinking more than this can upset the body’s electrolyte balance, particularly sodium levels.

What Are The Effects Of Drinking Too Much Water?

When you drink an excessive amount of water, it can dilute the electrolytes in your blood, especially sodium. This can cause fluids to move from outside your cells to inside, leading to swellings. The cells in your brain are particularly vulnerable to this swelling, which can increase pressure inside your skull and lead to various symptoms.

Are There Dangerous Effects Of Drinking Too Much Water?

Yes, drinking too much water can have severe consequences, including brain damage, coma, and even death. In rare cases, water intoxication can cause the cells in your brain to swell to the point where blood flow is interrupted, resulting in cerebral edema. Swollen brain cells can also put pressure on the brain stem, leading to central nervous system dysfunction.

What Are The Symptoms Of Drinking Too Much Water?

The symptoms of water intoxication can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but they may include:

1. Color Of Urine

Clear or pale urine is a sign that you are drinking too much water.

2. Bathroom Trip Frequency

Urinating more than 10 times a day can indicate that you are drinking too much water.

3. Drinking Water Without Necessity

Feeling the need to drink water even when you are not thirsty can be a symptom of water intoxication.

4. Nausea

Drinking too much water can lead to nausea and vomiting.

5. Vomiting

Persistent vomiting is a sign of severe water intoxication.

6. Headaches

Throbbing headaches that don’t go away can be a symptom of water intoxication.

7. Fatigue

Drinking too much water can cause fatigue and tiredness.

8. Low Blood Sugar

Water intoxication can lead to low blood sugar levels.

9. Muscle Cramps

Weak muscles that cramp easily can be a sign of water intoxication.

10. Colorless Hands, Feet, And Lips

Swelling and discoloration of the hands, feet, and lips can occur due to water intoxication.

11. Drowsiness

Excessive water intake can cause drowsiness and confusion.

12. Double Vision

Double vision is a symptom of severe water intoxication.

13. Confusion

Swelling in the brain can lead to confusion and disorientation.

14. Difficulty Breathing

In extreme cases, water intoxication can cause difficulty breathing.

15. Seizures

Severe water intoxication can lead to seizures, brain damage, and even death.

How Do Scientists Define Water Intoxication?

Scientists define water intoxication as a potentially fatal disturbance in brain functions that can result when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body is pushed outside safe limits by excessive water intake. When sodium levels in the blood fall below 135 millimoles per liter (mmol/l), it is referred to as hyponatremia.

Why Is Electrolyte Loss Related To Water Intoxication?

Electrolytes, such as sodium, help maintain the balance of fluids inside and outside of cells. When you drink too much water, it can dilute the electrolytes in your blood, causing fluids to move from outside your cells to inside, leading to swelling.

When Is Water Intoxication Common?

Water intoxication most commonly affects people participating in sporting events or endurance training, as well as those with certain mental health conditions. It can also occur in military training and in rare cases, as a result of water-drinking contests or torture methods involving excessive water consumption.

How To Calculate Correct Water Intake

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how much water you should drink each day, as it depends on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and overall health. However, the Institute of Medicine recommends that a healthy adult drink 78–100 ounces (about 9–13 cups) of fluids per day on average.

What Is The Opposite Of Water Intoxication?

The opposite of water intoxication is dehydration, which occurs when you lose more fluids than you take in. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, and headaches.

Can Water Intoxication Be Seen In Animals?

While water intoxication is rare in animals, it can occur in certain situations, such as when pets drink large amounts of water after exercise or in hot weather.

Can Water Intoxication Affect Babies?

Yes, water intoxication can affect babies, particularly if they are given too much water in addition to their normal breast milk or formula. Symptoms in babies may include crankiness, lower-than-normal body temperature, facial swelling, seizures, and very pale or clear urine.

How To Treat Water Intoxication?

Treatment for water intoxication depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may only require fluid restriction, while more severe cases may need diuretics to increase urination or vasopressin receptor antagonists to help restore electrolyte balance. In extreme cases, hospitalization and medical treatment may be necessary to prevent brain damage or death.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can drinking too much water lead to weight gain?

No, drinking too much water will not directly cause weight gain. However, it can lead to swelling in the lower legs and feet, which may make it appear as though you have gained weight.

2. How much water is too much?

There is no definitive amount of water that is considered too much, as it depends on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and overall health. However, drinking more than 0.8 to 1.0 liters of water per hour can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to water intoxication.

3. Can drinking too much water cause kidney damage?

While drinking too much water is unlikely to directly cause kidney damage, it can lead to a condition called hyponatremia, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

4. How long does it take to get water intoxication?

The time it takes to develop water intoxication depends on how much water is consumed and over what period. Drinking 3-4 liters of water in a short period can lead to symptoms of hyponatremia.

5. Can drinking too much water cause high blood pressure?

No, drinking too much water does not cause high blood pressure. In fact, staying hydrated can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

6. How do I know if I’m drinking too much water?

Signs that you may be drinking too much water include clear or pale urine, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, and muscle cramps.

Summary

While drinking water is essential for health, consuming too much of it can lead to a potentially dangerous condition called water intoxication. Symptoms of water intoxication can range from mild, such as nausea and headaches, to severe, including seizures, brain damage, and even death. To prevent water intoxication, it’s important to drink water in moderation and consume it throughout the day rather than all at once. If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing water intoxication, seek medical attention immediately.For those looking to enjoy the purest drinking water while staying hydrated, consider investing in SuperPure’s Home Water Distiller. This state-of-the-art distillation system ensures that your drinking water is free from impurities, providing you with clean, refreshing hydration every day.