What are the potential side effects of drinking too much still spring water?
Drinking far more still water than your body needs can dilute the sodium in your blood, a condition called hyponatremia or water intoxication. It is uncommon and usually linked to endurance sport, heavy drinking in short periods or certain medical conditions, but it can be serious. The kidneys can clear about one liter an hour, so sip steadily instead of chugging.
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In this article
Can you drink too much still water?
Yes, though it is uncommon. Drinking large amounts quickly dilutes sodium in the blood. When blood sodium falls below 135 mmol/L it is called hyponatremia, and the excess fluid can make brain cells swell. Spring water is no different from other still water here: the risk comes from the volume and speed, not the source.
Symptoms to know
- Early: headache, nausea, vomiting.
- Later: drowsiness, muscle weakness or cramps, confusion, double vision, trouble breathing.
- Very severe: seizures, brain damage, coma and, rarely, death.
Early signs can look like dehydration, which may lead people to drink even more.
How much is too much?
The kidneys can remove roughly 0.8 to 1.0 liter of water per hour, and some sources advise no more than about a liter per hour. There is no official guideline for how much water a person must drink each day. Your needs depend on body weight, activity, climate and health.
Who is at higher risk?
- Endurance athletes who drink lots of plain water without replacing electrolytes, especially in heat.
- Military personnel and others doing long, hot, strenuous work.
- People with compulsive water drinking, which is linked to some mental health conditions.
- People taking certain medicines or drugs that cause extreme thirst or hold water, such as some diuretics and MDMA.
How to drink sensibly
- Drink when thirsty and spread intake through the day.
- In long events, include sodium through a sports drink or food if your coach or doctor advises it.
- Do not force extra water beyond thirst unless a doctor has told you to.
Other minor effects
Drinking a lot can mean frequent trips to the bathroom and a sloshing, full stomach. Neither is dangerous alone.
If you or someone else has confusion, severe headache, vomiting or seizures after drinking a lot of water, seek emergency care. This is general information, not medical advice.
People also ask
What is water intoxication?
It happens when too much water dilutes sodium in the blood, causing swelling of cells. It can cause headache, nausea, confusion and seizures.
How much water per hour is too much?
Kidneys clear about 0.8 to 1.0 liter per hour, and some sources advise staying under about one liter an hour.
Is spring water riskier than tap water?
No. The risk comes from how much you drink and how fast, not the water source.
Sources
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