Apr 20, 2021

Side-effects of drinking too much water

Ravina Kumari

The basic necessity of life

Water is the basic necessity of life. About 60 per cent of your body is made up of water.

Getty-images

Why water is essential to your body

Water carries nutrients to the cells, removes toxins, regulates the temperature and allows the body to absorb and assimilate minerals, vitamins, amino acids and glucose.

Getty-images

Perils of drinking too much water

While we all need plenty of water to maintain good health, excessive intake can have serious health complications.

Pexels

How much water is too much?

The answer to this question depends on several factors like pre-existing health conditions, age and lifestyle habits.

TIMESOFINDIA.COM

​How much water our kidneys can excrete

Our kidneys can only excrete about 1 litre an hour. So, the speed at which you are drinking water also has an important role to play.

Getty-images

​Side-effects of drinking too much water

Drinking 3–4 litres of water in a short period can lead to hyponatremia, a condition in which the concentration of sodium in the body decreases.

canva

​More severe side-effects

In the worst case, too much water intake can lead to water intoxication. In this condition, the sodium level in the body goes too low.

Pexels

​What happens when sodium level decreases?

Without sodium to regulate the balance of fluid within cells, the brain can swell and can result in a coma or even death.

canva

​How much water you must drink in a day?

For your internal system to function normally, it is recommended to drink at least 2-3 litres of water every day.

canva