While it is possible to die from drinking too much water, it is relatively rare and typically only occurs in specific circumstances. This condition is called hyponatremia, which is characterized by a low level of sodium in the blood. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps to regulate the balance of fluids in and around the cells in the body.
Drinking an excessive amount of water can dilute the level of sodium in the blood, which can cause the cells to swell, leading to hyponatremia. This can be particularly dangerous for people who have certain medical conditions, such as heart, liver or kidney disease, or for people who take certain medications, such as diuretics, which can increase the risk of hyponatremia.
The majority of healthy people will not develop hyponatremia from drinking too much water, but it can happen in cases of extreme water intake over a short period of time. Some examples include drinking large amounts of water in a short time during endurance events, or drinking an excessive amount of water as a form of self-harm.
It’s important to note that it’s also possible to become dehydrated by not drinking enough water, which can lead to a host of health problems. It’s always recommended to consult with a doctor or a qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns about your water intake or any other health condition.
In general, it is recommended to drink when thirsty and to stop drinking when no longer thirsty. The Institute of Medicine recommends a daily water intake of about 3.7 L (125 oz) for men and 2.7 L (91 oz) for women.
HOW DOES DRINKING TOO MUCH WATER LEAD TO DEATH?
When you drink too much water, the kidneys are not able to remove the excess water from the body fast enough. This causes the levels of sodium in the blood to become diluted, a condition known as hyponatremia. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps to regulate the balance of fluids in and around the cells in the body, and when the levels of sodium in the blood become too low, it can cause the cells to swell.
The swelling of cells in the brain, known as cerebral edema, is the most serious and life-threatening complication of hyponatremia. The brain is surrounded by a rigid skull and when the brain swells, it can cause the pressure inside the skull to increase, leading to brain damage, coma and even death.
Symptoms of hyponatremia can include nausea, headache, confusion, fatigue, restlessness, muscle cramps, spasms, or seizures. In severe cases, hyponatremia can lead to coma and death.
It’s important to note that hyponatremia is a rare condition and is typically only seen in specific circumstances such as drinking excessive amount of water over a short period of time, or in people with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications.
It’s always recommended to consult with a doctor or a qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns about your water intake or any other health condition.
HOW CAN I PREVENT WATER INTOXICATION?
Water intoxication or hyponatremia can be prevented by drinking water at a moderate rate and by listening to your body’s signals of thirst. Here are some tips for preventing water intoxication:
- Drink when thirsty and stop drinking when no longer thirsty.
- Limit your water intake during endurance events, such as marathons or other endurance sports, and follow the guidelines provided by the event organizers.
- If you have a medical condition or are taking medications that increase your risk of water intoxication, consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional about the appropriate amount of water for you to drink.
- Be aware of the symptoms of water intoxication and seek medical attention if you experience any of them, such as headache, confusion, nausea, fatigue, restlessness, muscle cramps, spasms, or seizures.
- If you are unsure about how much water you should be drinking, you can use the general guidelines provided by the Institute of Medicine which recommends a daily water intake of about 3.7 L (125 oz) for men and 2.7 L (91 oz) for women.
It’s always important to consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns about your water intake or any other health condition. They would be able to provide personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and medical history.