Water is an essential part of staying healthy and hydrated. It’s calorie-free, additive-free, and doesn’t contain any processed ingredients or mysterious chemicals. But even this clear and innocent liquid has its downsides.
Before we dive into the dangers of drinking too much water, let me be clear: you should continue to drink water and stay hydrated. It’s important for your overall well-being. However, it’s also crucial not to overdo it.
Scientific American highlighted this important topic in an article titled ‘Strange But True’. While water is vital for life, consuming excessive amounts can lead to a condition known as hyponatremia. This occurs when there is an insufficient amount of salt in the blood.
Severe cases of hyponatremia can result in water intoxication, which exhibits symptoms similar to regular intoxication, including nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination. Drinking excessive amounts of water can throw off the delicate balance in the kidneys, which regulate the amount of water and salts that leave the body.
When there is an excess of water in the system, the blood becomes waterlogged and is drawn to areas with higher concentrations of salt and other dissolved substances. As a result, the cells in these regions swell in an attempt to accommodate the excess water.
While most cells can stretch, the brain is an exception due to its confinement within the skull. This means that any swelling in the brain can be risky and potentially dangerous. M. Amin Arnaout, chief of nephrology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, explains that “Rapid and severe hyponatremia causes entry of water into brain cells, leading to brain swelling, which manifests as seizures, coma, respiratory arrest, brain stem herniation, and death.”
While it’s rare to consume a fatal amount of water, there have been instances of water intoxication leading to tragic consequences. In 2007, a 28-year-old woman died after drinking approximately six liters of water in three hours as part of a radio competition.
Although the news of the dangers of drinking too much water can be alarming, it’s important to note that it is difficult to consume excessive amounts of water if you are mindful of your intake. University Hospitals states that there is no set amount of water that causes water intoxication. However, it advises caution as kidneys can process approximately one liter of fluid per hour. Consuming more than that within a continuous duration can be risky.
So, remember to stay hydrated, but also be aware of the importance of moderation when it comes to water consumption.
