Excessive Water Consumption Can Be Dangerous
Author: Ivan Red Jr.
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
January 27, 2026
Water intoxication can lead to the development of hyponatremia, which is the greatest threat to the brain.
Consuming enough water is essential for hydration and health of the body, but we should not overdo it. Consumption of large quantities can be dangerous.
Water intoxication occurs when we overdo it with water, as a result of which the sodium in the blood is diluted.
When the concentrations of this microelement in the blood are low, this allows water to pass from the blood vessels and get into other tissues . This condition is known as hyponatremia. The brain is the most affected organ of it.
Symptoms are usually mild and include confusion, headache and nausea . If the condition is not treated, seizures can occur. In the most severe cases, the brain continues to increase in size, which can lead to a potentially fatal condition.
People who are at some risk of developing hyponatraemia include those who consume excessive amounts of water, as well as older people who take diuretics and have reduced kidney function .
Among long-distance runners, those most at risk of water intoxication are those who run for longer periods of time. Experts advise these athletes to get sodium during the marathon. For example, they could consume sports drinks that contain electrolytes .
How much water is recommended for people who are not marathoners?
The US Institute of Medicine recommends that men consume an average of about 13 glasses (3 liters) of fluid per day, and women - 9 glasses (2.2 liters).
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