In general, a healthy adult needs three to four liters of water per day under normal conditions. which also includes water in food and other drinks. for all the major body functions. Water plays a vital role. But if we are drinking too much water, it is not considered good for our health. Drinking too much water can lead to intoxication and may cause health problems in the long run.

Drinking an optimal quantity of water helps with normal body functions, such as regulating body temperature, flushing out waste substances, and preventing constipation.

Why drinking too much water is not suitable for health?

We are well aware that water is excreted mainly through the urinary system, It is filtered from the bloodstream by the kidneys. Our kidneys have the capacity to filter water from 800 ml. to 1000 ml. per hour. When we drink too much water, it can not be filtered out and accumulates in our body cells. This results in the swelling of body cells. Body cells are surrounded by a balanced solution of sodium and water. Drinking too much water results in a disturbed balance between water and sodium. leading to the depletion of sodium levels, causing hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a condition in which sodium levels in the body become dangerously low. Hyponatremia is the main cause of concern for drinking too much water. Acute hyponatremia can lead to severe health conditions like cerebral edema, brain disease, cardiopulmonary arrest, seizure, coma, and even death in extreme cases.

What happens to your body when you drink too much water?

Drinking too much water, then your body’s requirements—can lead to overhydration. Water accumulates in our cells during overhydration because our kidneys are unable to excrete it. As a result, body cells swell. Our body’s flexible tissues can handle swollen body cells to some extent. But with the brain being surrounded by the skull, the pressure starts building in the head. In the early stage, it may cause heaviness, confusion, or drowsiness. But if the pressure continues to build, it can lead to a risk of brain damage, coma, and death.

What can cause overhydration? And what are its effects on health?

Overhydration can be caused due to following reasons:-

Increased water intake: When you drink too much water, then your body is capable of excreting it. It leads to overhydration. There are certain health conditions and medicines that can increase water intake, Like:-

• Schizophrenia
• Diuretics
• Antipsychotic drugs
• M.D.M.A. (3,4- methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) also known as ecstasy.

Retaining more water: Due to certain health conditions, the kidneys are unable to excrete the required quantity of water from the body. which results in the retention of more water in the body. The following are a few health conditions that can lead to the retention of water in our bodies.

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Syndrome of inappropriate diuretic hormone

Both of the above types can lead to overhydration- leading to hyponatremia.

How much water is too much in a day?

The amount of water required varies from person to person. It depends on age, sex, activity level, and health conditions. There is no such formula for optimum water intake. However, the Institute of Medicine has suggested guidelines for optimum water intake. They suggested that a healthy adult should drink an average of 78–100 ounces (about 9–13 cups) of fluids daily. On average, more than 100 ounces per day can be considered too much to drink under normal conditions.