Is Too Much Water Dangerous? Here's What Happens When You Overdo It

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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It's a hot summer afternoon. Siya, a fitness enthusiast, just wrapped up her intense workout. Keeping in mind the old-age advice to drink plenty of water, she downed bottle after bottle, nearly 7 litres in a few hours. Out of nowhere, she started feeling dizzy, nauseous, and a bit confused. What began as a healthy effort turned into a trip to the hospital. The verdict? Water Intoxication.

This might sound extreme, but what happens when you drink too much water? While we often hear that drinking plenty of water is vital for health, the idea that more is always better can be misleading. Water is crucial, no doubt, but like anything in life, even this healthy habit can become harmful when taken to extremes.

So, in this blog, we'll explore the consequences of drinking too much water, why it can be dangerous, and how to feel hydrated without going overboard.

The Myth: More Water is Always Better

For years, the wellness industry and social media influencers have glorified drinking more water as the ultimate health hack. While drinking enough water supports overall vitality, what will happen if I drink too much water? You might not like the answer.

There's a delusion that more water means more detox, better digestion, glowing skin, and endless energy. While mild consumption may lead to frequent urination, drinking excessive amounts can lead to severe health complications like water intoxication. Let's deeply understand water intoxication or water poisoning.

Understanding Water Intoxication

Water intoxication, or water poisoning, happens when you drink too much water in a short time. This can dilute the sodium levels in your blood, leading to an electrolyte imbalance. Sodium is essential because it helps balance fluids in and out of cells. If too much sodium is diluted, the cells can swell, which can be risky, especially in brain cells.

What will happen if you drink too much water? The consequences can be severe, ranging from headaches and muscle cramps to seizures, coma, and in extreme cases, death. Let's dig more into these consequences.

What Happens When You Drink Too Much Water?

Swelling of Brain Cells

In extreme situations, water enters the brain cells, causing them to expand. This may result in:

• Headaches
• Disorientation
• Coma
• Seizures
• Dizziness

This is why hyponatremia is considered a medical emergency.

Dilution of Electrolytes

Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are essential for muscle function, heart rhythm, and nerve communication. Drinking too much water dilutes these minerals, leading to:

• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Fatigue

Frequent Urination & Sleep Disruption

One of the lesser dangers, but highly inconvenient conditions, is the need to urinate frequently. Drinking excessive water, especially at night, can lead to multiple sleep interruptions. This is one of the disadvantages of drinking too much water at night.

Sleep is when your body restores itself. Constantly waking up to pee interrupts REM sleep cycles, leading to grogginess, poor concentration, and mood swings during the day.

Kidney Overload

Your kidneys can handle roughly 1 litre of water each hour. Drinking more than that can put extra pressure on them, making them work harder and possibly causing issues like kidney strain or problems with their electrolytes.

Symptoms of Overhydration

Watch out for these signs of what happens when you drink too much water:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Swollen hands, feet, or lips
• Confusion or disorientation
• Persistent headaches
• Frequent urination, especially clear or colourless urine
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue despite proper sleep

If you notice these symptoms and have been drinking excessive water, it's time to cut back and consult a doctor. But are you also afraid of hospital expenses and consultation costs?

Don’t worry! Own a comprehensive health insurance plan from Care Health Insurance and rest under the best safety net. A plan from Care Health Insurance covers not only emergency hospitalisation of unpredictable situations like water intoxication but also pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses, diagnostic tests, and special consultations. Hence, care for yourself today with Care Health Insurance.

Who is at Risk of Drinking Too Much Water?

While rare, overhydration tends to occur in certain groups more often:

• People with Kidney issues
• Health enthusiasts like fitness models, yoga instructors, nutritionists, etc.
• Many Athletes, including rugby players, football players, and many more.
• People who are on medications.
• Military personnel in training
• People with mental health disorders
• Senior citizens

How is Overhydration Treated?

If you're wondering what happens when you drink too much water and how to manage it, the answer lies in prompt medical intervention. The treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause:

Stop Drinking Excess Water

The first and easiest thing to do is to cut back on fluids. This can help stop your blood sodium levels from getting too low.

Diuretics (Water Pills)

Doctors may prescribe diuretics to help eliminate excess water in the body, especially when the kidneys are overwhelmed.

Electrolyte Correction

If someone has mild hyponatremia, drinking electrolyte drinks or eating salty food can help bring sodium levels back to normal.

What will happen when I drink too much water? It can cause vomiting, so doctors inject a special saline solution through an intravenous (IV) in the hospital to boost sodium levels.

Fluid Restriction

Patients usually have to follow a fluid-restricted diet, sometimes limiting their intake to just 500-1000 ml a day, until their body gets back to the proper electrolyte levels.

How Much Water is Actually Needed?

The "8 glasses a day" rule is just a general guideline. The amount of water your body needs can vary based on factors such as your age, weight, activity level, climate, diet, and health conditions.

General Recommendations:

• Men: About 3.7 litres daily (approximately 13 cups) from all fluids, including food.
• Women: About 2.7 litres daily (approximately 9 cups) from all fluids
• Children: Needs vary based on age.

According to experts, overhydration becomes risky when intake exceeds what your kidneys can excrete, especially if your body isn't signalling thirst.

>>Read More: Grandma's Secret Elixir: The Amazing Benefits of Drinking Rice Water

Listen to Your Body

So, what happens when you drink too much water? You may think you're doing your body a favour, but overhydration can have the opposite effect. It can lead to electrolyte imbalances, sleep disruption, and even life-threatening conditions like hyponatremia.

Water is essential, but it's all about balance. Rather than stressing over how many litres you should drink, pay attention to your body's needs and sip on fluids throughout the day. Remember, it's about staying hydrated, not drowning yourself in water.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.