It Is Possible To Drink Too Much Water? Alarming Signs And How To Prevent It

Jun 22, 2018

People, athletes especially, are told to drink as much water as they can to avoid being dehydrated. But is it possible to drink too much water? After drinking too much water, a person can enter a state of overhydration in which they've consumed so much water that they have an imbalance of electrolytes. This loss of electrolytes can have scary consequences, which can even include death.

When you drink too much water, you decrease the amount of sodium in your body. While too much sodium is often warned against, having too little sodium if often just as serious. Not having enough sodium in your body is called hyponatremia. Sodium is used by the body to control fluid balance. When sodium is too low, this can cause your body's cells to swell with excess water.

Overhydration is very uncommon for regular people, but athletes should take measures to prevent this serious condition. Those most at risk of overhydration include hikers, rugby players, long-distance cyclists, competitive rowers, soldiers during training regimes, runners, and those with schizophrenia. These athletes often drink much more water than usual when training. This can speed up overhydration, as the athlete also sweats excessively causing their sodium levels to drop even further. 

Symptoms of mild overhydration are often not severe, but these symptoms will only get worse as the overhydration increases. Symptoms include:

• colorless urine and having to urinate frequently 
• dizziness 
• lethargy 
• headaches 
• cramps and muscle soreness 
• vomiting and nausea.

In extremely severe overhydration, symptoms can include seizures, trouble breathing, vision problems, confusion, coma, and finally death.

Overhydration can be prevented by monitoring water intake, especially when performing strenuous exercise. In addition, you should drink only when thirsty.

When exercising, make sure to keep your electrolytes balanced and not drink too much water, as this condition is serious and can even lead to death.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!