Drinking too much water can lead to a condition called water intoxication or hyponatremia, where the sodium levels in the blood become dangerously low. This causes excess water to move into the body's cells, including brain cells, leading to swelling. The swelling increases pressure inside the skull and can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, muscle weakness or cramping, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, double vision, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, water intoxication can result in seizures, brain damage, coma, or even death. This condition is rare but can occur, especially during intense physical activity or in scenarios like water-drinking contests where excessive fluid intake happens quickly.
Key Effects of Drinking Too Much Water
- Sodium imbalance (hyponatremia)
- Cell swelling, especially in the brain
- Symptoms: headache, nausea, confusion, muscle cramps, fatigue
- Severe symptoms: seizures, coma, death
Why It Happens
- Kidneys can only remove about 0.8 to 1.0 liters of water per hour
- Excessive water dilutes electrolytes, especially sodium
- Sodium imbalance causes fluid to enter cells, making them swell
Who Is at Risk
- Endurance athletes who hydrate excessively during activities
- Individuals with certain mental health conditions
- Participants in water-drinking contests
The best guideline is to drink according to thirst and monitor urine color, aiming for light yellow to clear urine, rather than forcing excessive water intake.
If symptoms of overhydration appear, such as confusion, muscle weakness, or nausea, medical attention is important to prevent serious complications.
