How much water is too much?

Question

Some articles say that there is such a thing as drinking too much water. How much is too much water? Or does that depend on your weight?

Answer 1

In a word, yes. Drinking too much water can lead to a condition known as water intoxication and to a related problem resulting from the dilution of sodium in the body, hyponatremia. Water intoxication is most commonly seen in infants under six months of age and sometimes in athletes. A baby can get water intoxication as a result of drinking several bottles of water a day or from drinking infant formula that has been diluted too much. Athletes can also suffer from water intoxication. Athletes sweat heavily, losing both water and electrolytes. Water intoxication and hyponatremia result when a dehydrated person drinks too much water without the accompanying electrolytes.

The kidneys of a healthy adult can process fifteen liters of water a day! You are unlikely to suffer from water intoxication, even if you drink a lot of water, as long as you drink over time as opposed to intaking an enormous volume at one time. As a general guideline, most adults need about three quarts of fluid each day. Much of that water comes from food, so 8-12 eight ounce glasses a day is a common recommended intake. You may need more water if the weather is very warm or very dry, if you are exercising, or if you are taking certain medications. The bottom line is this: it's possible to drink too much water, but unless you are running a marathon or are an infant, water intoxication is a very uncommon condition.

Answer 2

Ive read everywhere that eight glasses a day is good for you, just go with that. As for the "overdose" of water, my parents had a friend in Basic Training that drank so much water he died- no kidding!

Answer 3

i would think that too much water would be dependent on how well your kidney function and their ability to expell the water.
if someone is drinking what they consider more than normal drinking, maybe they should get thier blood suger tested--excessive thirst can be a symptom of diabetes.

Answer 4

Yes, it depends on your weight, height, etc.

It's basically 1.5 to 2 liters daily as a rule. Any more and you could be making your kidneys work too hard.

Answer 5

I was drinking about a gallon and half a day and my doctor informed me that was to much. He said keep it under a gallon a day.

Answer 6

Look up "water intoxication".

Answer 7

that's depending on your capacity... everything much or too much isn't good..EVEN being VERY GOOD is TOO BAD...

Answer 8

those articles are lyin