We often emphasize the importance of drinking plenty of water for health, but as with anything, too much can be harmful. Drinking excessive amounts of water is not advisable.
Negative Effects of Drinking Too Much Water and Who Should Limit Their Water Intake
- 1. Hyponatremia
- 2. Impact on Stomach Acid Levels
- 3. Increased Pressure on the Cardiovascular System
- 4. Increased Burden on the Kidneys
- 5. Water Intoxication Can Occur
- 1. Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions Should Limit Water Intake
- 2. Avoid Excessive Water Intake at Certain Times
- 3. After Strenuous Work or Intense Exercise
1. Hyponatremia
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States recommend that individuals do not drink more than 1.4 liters of water in an hour, which is less than 6 cups, to avoid hyponatremia. This is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening.
A man drinking water. (Image: Pexel).
Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium concentration in the blood drops to an abnormal low level, from 135-145 mEq/L to below 135 mEq/L. Sodium is crucial for regulating the body’s water balance, controlling blood pressure, and supporting nerve and muscle function. When this electrolyte imbalance occurs, excess water causes nerve cells to swell.
This condition is particularly dangerous if it occurs in the brain. Due to the protective skull, the brain cannot expand or swell freely. Consequently, the patient may become comatose and can subsequently die. Less severe symptoms include vomiting, headache, confusion, fatigue, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and seizures.
Other causes of hyponatremia include kidney failure, heart failure, and certain medications.
2. Impact on Stomach Acid Levels
Drinking too much water in a short period can dilute stomach fluids, reducing the acidity of these fluids (increasing pH levels). Additionally, excessive water intake can diminish the antibacterial effectiveness of stomach fluids and impair the digestion of food.
3. Increased Pressure on the Cardiovascular System
Consuming too much water increases the blood volume in the body, which raises the workload on the heart and blood vessels. For individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, this can elevate the risk of heart failure. Therefore, excessive water intake is particularly dangerous for those with heart conditions.
Drinking too much water increases blood volume and cardiovascular workload.
4. Increased Burden on the Kidneys
Excessive water intake raises blood flow and increases filtration rates, leading to higher pressure on the renal tubules. Increased water absorption results in more frequent urination, thus placing additional strain on the kidneys.
5. Water Intoxication Can Occur
Drinking too much water in a short amount of time can decrease plasma osmolality and increase blood volume, causing water retention in the body and leading to water intoxication.
Clinically, water intoxication can be divided into chronic and acute forms. Chronic symptoms include weight gain, pale and moist skin, nausea or digestive issues, and neurological symptoms such as headaches and delirium. In mild cases, simply reducing or halting water intake can resolve these issues.
Water intoxication can occur from excessive water intake.
Acute water intoxication arises suddenly, causing increased intracellular and extracellular fluid, posing dangers to the central nervous system. The swelling of brain cells disrupts the stability of cell membranes, leading to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, a choking sensation, memory loss, or impaired memory.
In more severe cases, it can cause confusion, affect cognition, panic, coma, or even lead to seizures. Prolonged instances can result in permanent neurological damage and even death.
Who should avoid excessive water intake?
1. Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions Should Limit Water Intake
Patients with heart failure, ascites, or glaucoma should heed their doctor’s advice, not only managing their water intake effectively but also consuming it in smaller, more frequent amounts. A single intake should ideally be around 200-300 ml and should not exceed this to avoid worsening their condition.
Individuals with weak kidneys: Doctors often suggest healthy individuals drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of kidney stones. However, for those with weak kidneys, this may not be advisable. Drinking too much water increases blood flow and filtration rates, placing additional strain on the kidneys, worsening their condition. Individuals with kidney failure should consume an adequate amount of water as recommended by specialists, dividing their intake throughout the day instead of drinking too much at once or too little.
Individuals with high blood sugar: Drinking large amounts of water does not help lower blood sugar levels. On the contrary, this habit can add stress to the body and cause edema. Additionally, it is advisable not to drink excessive water when taking gastric mucosal protectants, before and after meals, or before bedtime. The role of these protectants is to form a protective layer over damaged gastric mucosa to prevent acid from eroding the stomach lining. Drinking too much water reduces the effectiveness of the medication. Furthermore, excessive water intake before and after meals can impact the ability to digest food. Drinking a lot of water before bed can lead to increased urination, thus reducing sleep quality.
Individuals who remain sedentary for prolonged periods: Nowadays, office workers often have the unhealthy habit of sitting for long periods and not exercising. This leads to the risk of swollen legs and varicose veins. If one sits a lot and drinks plenty of water, it can cause slow blood circulation, resulting in swelling and pain in the lower extremities. Conversely, drinking too little water is also detrimental and increases the risk of kidney stones. The solution is to drink an adequate amount of water, make an effort to stand and move around, and increase physical activity.
2. Avoid Excessive Water Intake at Certain Times
When taking gastric mucosal protectants, before and after meals, or before sleep, one should not drink excessive amounts of water. The role of these protectants is to form a protective layer over damaged gastric mucosa to prevent acid from eroding the stomach lining.
Do not drink too much water before sleeping.
However, if one drinks too much water while taking this medication, it will dilute the medication and reduce its efficacy. Excessive water intake before and after meals will affect the ability to digest food. Drinking a lot of water before bedtime will fill the bladder, stimulating receptors in the bladder to create impulses that lead to the sensation of needing to urinate, thereby diminishing sleep quality.
3. After Strenuous Work or Intense Exercise
When the body expels a large amount of sweat, it results in a loss of salt. In such situations, it is advisable to avoid drinking too much water, as rapid absorption of excess water without timely salt replenishment can quickly decrease electrolyte levels, such as sodium ions in the blood, potentially leading to water intoxication.
Too much of anything is not good, so we must consider drinking an adequate amount of water to support our health and avoid undesirable consequences.
