% Hyponatremia: Signs, Complications, and Outlook Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Dehydration
Drinking Too Much Water Hyponatremia What You Need to Know
By Angela HauptMedically Reviewed by Justin Laube, MDReviewed: June 17, 2021Medically ReviewedDrinking too much water can lower the blood’s sodium levels, which can cause tissue cells to swell.Natasa Mandic/StocksyDuring the steamy summer months, lots of attention is focused on dehydration and making sure we prevent it by drinking enough water. But, though less common, overhydrating can also lead to health problems.
thumb_upLike (15)
commentReply (2)
shareShare
visibility504 views
thumb_up15 likes
comment
2 replies
L
Lily Watson 2 minutes ago
Roberta Anding, RDN, a sports dietitian at Rice University in Houston, puts it like this: “If I pu...
E
Ethan Thomas 2 minutes ago
Neither one of those is conducive to performance.”
One consequence of drinking too much water, whi...
C
Charlotte Lee Member
access_time
10 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Roberta Anding, RDN, a sports dietitian at Rice University in Houston, puts it like this: “If I pull the wheel too hard to the left and end up in a ditch, I’m dehydrated. If I pull too hard to the right, I’m overhydrated.
thumb_upLike (15)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up15 likes
comment
2 replies
E
Ethan Thomas 9 minutes ago
Neither one of those is conducive to performance.”
One consequence of drinking too much water, whi...
J
Joseph Kim 4 minutes ago
When the sodium level drops too quickly, fluids move out of the bloodstream and into tissue cells, w...
N
Noah Davis Member
access_time
9 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Neither one of those is conducive to performance.”
One consequence of drinking too much water, which is sometimes called water intoxication, is hyponatremia. This condition occurs when the blood’s sodium level drops below 135 milliequivalents (mEg) per liter (L), per the Mayo Clinic. (The Mayo Clinic notes that normal blood sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L.)
Excessive water consumption dilutes electrolytes in the blood, such as sodium, says Mitchell Rosner, MD, a nephrologist with the department of medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
thumb_upLike (39)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up39 likes
comment
3 replies
I
Isaac Schmidt 1 minutes ago
When the sodium level drops too quickly, fluids move out of the bloodstream and into tissue cells, w...
B
Brandon Kumar 8 minutes ago
Rosner says, your brain can’t accommodate such intense swelling, resulting in neurological issues ...
When the sodium level drops too quickly, fluids move out of the bloodstream and into tissue cells, which causes these cells to expand. In extreme cases, Dr.
thumb_upLike (4)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up4 likes
comment
2 replies
G
Grace Liu 10 minutes ago
Rosner says, your brain can’t accommodate such intense swelling, resulting in neurological issues ...
L
Lily Watson 17 minutes ago
The condition has also occurred during contests in which people set out to drink extremely large amo...
I
Isaac Schmidt Member
access_time
20 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Rosner says, your brain can’t accommodate such intense swelling, resulting in neurological issues or even death. RELATED: How to Avoid Summer Health Hazards, According to Experts
What Causes Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder, according to research published in August 2016 in the American Journal of Medicine. It’s particularly prevalent among endurance athletes who drink large volumes of water before, during, and after exercise: One previous study suggested that 13 percent of participants in the 2002 Boston Marathon experienced hyponatremia.
thumb_upLike (16)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up16 likes
comment
2 replies
N
Nathan Chen 1 minutes ago
The condition has also occurred during contests in which people set out to drink extremely large amo...
C
Christopher Lee 11 minutes ago
McStay says. “If you’re drinking 2, 3, or 4 liters an hour, and you’re not losing a ton by swe...
H
Harper Kim Member
access_time
18 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
The condition has also occurred during contests in which people set out to drink extremely large amounts of fluids. (In 2007, for example, a 28-year-old woman died of water intoxication following a California radio station’s water-drinking contest.)
Hyponatremia also commonly affects people with severe mental illness, like schizophrenia, who feel compelled to drink a lot of water, says Chris McStay, MD, an associate professor with the department of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado in Aurora. “The most common thing is that, in the summer when people are told to drink a lot, they maybe take it a little bit too far,” Dr.
thumb_upLike (23)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up23 likes
S
Sofia Garcia Member
access_time
35 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
McStay says. “If you’re drinking 2, 3, or 4 liters an hour, and you’re not losing a ton by sweating, you basically begin to exceed the amount that the body can excrete.
thumb_upLike (14)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up14 likes
comment
2 replies
J
Joseph Kim 28 minutes ago
And that’s when you get in trouble.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, other potential causes of hyp...
L
Lucas Martinez 14 minutes ago
But one easy way to know how much you need to drink is to trust your own body, Rosner says. “Thirs...
K
Kevin Wang Member
access_time
32 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
And that’s when you get in trouble.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, other potential causes of hyponatremia (which can occur in different severities, ranging from mild to severe, and have different onset periods, from slow to rapid) include:Medications that can interfere with hormone and kidney function, such as diuretics or antidepressantsCertain heart, liver, and kidney conditionsChronic diarrhea or vomitingHormonal changes, such as adrenal gland insufficiency or low levels of thyroid hormoneTaking the drug ecstasy
RELATED: Science-Backed Health Benefits of Water
How Much Water Should You Drink
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend drinking 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day if you are a man and 11.5 daily cups (2.7 liters) if you are a woman. The exact amount of water you need each day depends on factors like your age, sex, activity level, and how hot it is outside.
thumb_upLike (2)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up2 likes
comment
2 replies
H
Henry Schmidt 28 minutes ago
But one easy way to know how much you need to drink is to trust your own body, Rosner says. “Thirs...
H
Hannah Kim 8 minutes ago
Drink until you’re not thirsty, but don’t drink above that. And if you do that, you’ll be fine...
I
Isabella Johnson Member
access_time
36 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
But one easy way to know how much you need to drink is to trust your own body, Rosner says. “Thirst is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism to make sure that we drink an adequate amount of fluids but not too much,” he explains. “What I tell people is to get a sense of your thirst.
thumb_upLike (38)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up38 likes
comment
2 replies
A
Amelia Singh 31 minutes ago
Drink until you’re not thirsty, but don’t drink above that. And if you do that, you’ll be fine...
W
William Brown 20 minutes ago
If you’re worried about getting dehydrated — say, if you have plans to work outside, and you kno...
J
Joseph Kim Member
access_time
20 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Drink until you’re not thirsty, but don’t drink above that. And if you do that, you’ll be fine.”
RELATED: Hydration Calculator How Much Water Do You Need to Drink a Day
Signs You' re Drinking Too Much Water
Many of the symptoms of hyponatremia overlap with those for heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration, McStay says. According to McStay and Anding, symptoms of hyponatremia include:Nausea or vomitingHeadacheBloatingSwollen hands and feetMuscle spasms or crampingTirednessAltered mental stateRestlessness and irritability
Daily weigh-ins can help you figure out if you’re drinking too much water, Anding says.
thumb_upLike (34)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up34 likes
J
James Smith Moderator
access_time
55 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
If you’re worried about getting dehydrated — say, if you have plans to work outside, and you know you’ll be drinking a lot of water — weigh yourself at the start of the day. If you’ve gained 10 or more pounds by the end of the day, she says, it’s a good time to ask yourself: Could this be hyponatremia?
thumb_upLike (45)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up45 likes
comment
2 replies
S
Scarlett Brown 25 minutes ago
(But again, hyponatremia isn’t a common phenomenon, so these weigh-ins make the most sense for peo...
S
Scarlett Brown 30 minutes ago
“Then you can tell your doctor, ‘I was out working in the yard, and I gained 10 pounds because I...
I
Isabella Johnson Member
access_time
24 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
(But again, hyponatremia isn’t a common phenomenon, so these weigh-ins make the most sense for people in extreme circumstances, like running a marathon or participating in military training.)
Anding suggests writing down any symptoms you’re experiencing, such as nausea or a headache, and then calling your doctor. “What you're doing is collecting your own data,” she says.
thumb_upLike (45)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up45 likes
comment
2 replies
J
Julia Zhang 8 minutes ago
“Then you can tell your doctor, ‘I was out working in the yard, and I gained 10 pounds because I...
E
Elijah Patel 24 minutes ago
“When sodium [levels] gets really low — I’m talking 100 mEq/L or a number that’s dramaticall...
S
Sofia Garcia Member
access_time
26 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
“Then you can tell your doctor, ‘I was out working in the yard, and I gained 10 pounds because I was drinking water all afternoon.’” Your doctor can likely help you figure out whether you need to go to the emergency room, she says. RELATED: The Truth About Common Hydration Myths and Facts
Complications of Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia can lead to seizures, coma, and severe neurological symptoms, including brain damage. Dying from drinking too much water is rare, but as noted, it has happened.
thumb_upLike (43)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up43 likes
comment
2 replies
M
Mason Rodriguez 2 minutes ago
“When sodium [levels] gets really low — I’m talking 100 mEq/L or a number that’s dramaticall...
S
Sofia Garcia 10 minutes ago
But in severe cases, patients need to be treated in the hospital, McStay says: “At some point, thi...
J
Jack Thompson Member
access_time
42 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
“When sodium [levels] gets really low — I’m talking 100 mEq/L or a number that’s dramatically different than the normal range — you can die, because your brain will swell up so much,” McStay says. “The brain stem pushes down the skull base, which makes you stop breathing and lose consciousness.”
RELATED: These Hacks Will Help You Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Outlook of Hyponatremia
Your doctor can diagnose hyponatremia based on blood tests and urine tests. The symptoms of this condition are usually mild, and patients can recover at home.
thumb_upLike (47)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up47 likes
A
Aria Nguyen Member
access_time
75 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
But in severe cases, patients need to be treated in the hospital, McStay says: “At some point, things start to happen that your body can’t fix quickly enough. The ability for the kidneys to excrete your water isn't good enough or fast enough to correct the situation.”
If you’re experiencing symptoms like an altered mental state or seizures, it’s important to seek urgent medical attention, rather than simply making a doctor’s appointment.
thumb_upLike (33)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up33 likes
comment
2 replies
H
Hannah Kim 70 minutes ago
If you have severe hyponatremia, correcting it too quickly can be dangerous. In this case, your doct...
E
Ella Rodriguez 9 minutes ago
You may also be given medication to help cope with the side effects of hyponatremia, such as headach...
M
Mason Rodriguez Member
access_time
48 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
If you have severe hyponatremia, correcting it too quickly can be dangerous. In this case, your doctor will likely give you a sodium solution via an IV to slowly raise the sodium level in your blood.
thumb_upLike (17)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up17 likes
comment
2 replies
E
Emma Wilson 34 minutes ago
You may also be given medication to help cope with the side effects of hyponatremia, such as headach...
B
Brandon Kumar 42 minutes ago
They do very well.”
A Final Word on Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia, which occurs when the blood’s so...
E
Ella Rodriguez Member
access_time
68 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
You may also be given medication to help cope with the side effects of hyponatremia, such as headaches and nausea. “Unfortunately, we get case reports of people passing away from [hyponatremia], but that's really very rare,” Rosner says. “Most people either recover spontaneously or with medical treatment.
thumb_upLike (48)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up48 likes
comment
3 replies
A
Amelia Singh 55 minutes ago
They do very well.”
A Final Word on Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia, which occurs when the blood’s so...
H
Henry Schmidt 5 minutes ago
(When in doubt, seek emergency care evaluation, especially if your symptoms are severe.)
NEWSLETTERS...
They do very well.”
A Final Word on Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia, which occurs when the blood’s sodium level drops too low, can occur from drinking too much water. This isn’t a common condition, and some people who are more at risk include, for example: endurance athletes, those participating in contests that involve drinking a lot of fluid, those taking certain illicit drugs like ecstacy, and people with psychiatric conditions. Pay attention to symptoms such as vomiting, bloating, and an altered mental state, and if you’re worried you might have consumed too much water, call your doctor, who can help you figure out if you need to seek emergency treatment.
thumb_upLike (0)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up0 likes
comment
3 replies
E
Ella Rodriguez 21 minutes ago
(When in doubt, seek emergency care evaluation, especially if your symptoms are severe.)
NEWSLETTERS...
L
Lucas Martinez 33 minutes ago
Find out if your water intake is adequate by using this simple tool.By Kelly Kennedy, RDNJune 30, 20...
(When in doubt, seek emergency care evaluation, especially if your symptoms are severe.)
NEWSLETTERS
Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Dehydration
Hydration Calculator How Much Water Do You Need to Drink a Day
Good hydration can improve your mood, sleep, and overall health and wellness.
thumb_upLike (23)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up23 likes
comment
2 replies
B
Brandon Kumar 2 minutes ago
Find out if your water intake is adequate by using this simple tool.By Kelly Kennedy, RDNJune 30, 20...
L
Liam Wilson 49 minutes ago
Here’s what to know and...By Angela HauptJuly 22, 2021
7 Ways the Everyday Health Team Stays Hyd...
A
Ava White Moderator
access_time
40 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Find out if your water intake is adequate by using this simple tool.By Kelly Kennedy, RDNJune 30, 2022
Hydration 101 Tips Tools and More to Help Optimize Your Water IntakeBy June 29, 2022
6 Smart Tips for Staying Hydrated Throughout the DayChances are that you aren’t drinking enough water. Use these strategies to increase your hydration and support your health.By Jessica MigalaJune 24, 2022
5 Diets That May Contribute to DehydrationSome popular eating plans, like the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, may indirectly increase the risk for dehydration.
thumb_upLike (29)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up29 likes
C
Chloe Santos Moderator
access_time
105 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Here’s what to know and...By Angela HauptJuly 22, 2021
7 Ways the Everyday Health Team Stays HydratedUpping your water intake is a healthy habit that’s worth committing to. Here’s how the Everyday Health team keeps hydrated throughout the day.By Laura McArdleMay 24, 2021
The Truth About Hydration 5 Myths and 5 FactsFind out how much water you really need to drink each day, whether you can overdose on H2O, and more.By Leslie BarrieApril 2, 2021
Smart Health I Tried HidrateSpark Steel to Up My Water Intake — and It WorkedBy Leah GrothMarch 12, 2021
13 Genius Hacks That Can Help You Drink More WaterThere’s no excuse for not hitting your water goal when you have these helpful apps and devices at your disposal.By Jessica MigalaDecember 22, 2020
Why Dehydration Is Still a Risk During the WintertimeSurprising factors can increase your risk for dehydration in the winter.
thumb_upLike (27)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up27 likes
comment
2 replies
S
Sofia Garcia 46 minutes ago
Here’s how to make sure you’re getting enough H2O when it’s chilly out.By Jessica MigalaDecemb...
E
Evelyn Zhang 92 minutes ago
Hyponatremia: Signs, Complications, and Outlook Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Dehydrati...
L
Luna Park Member
access_time
110 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Here’s how to make sure you’re getting enough H2O when it’s chilly out.By Jessica MigalaDecember 18, 2020
8 Common Medications That May Cause DehydrationDrugs for conditions including cancer, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes may cause a water imbalance. If you’re taking any of these meds, it's ...By Jessica MigalaNovember 13, 2020
MORE IN
Can You Lose Weight by Drinking Water
6 Smart Tips for Staying Hydrated Throughout the Day
Are Sports Drinks Better Than Water Answers to Your FAQs
thumb_upLike (29)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up29 likes
comment
3 replies
N
Noah Davis 103 minutes ago
Hyponatremia: Signs, Complications, and Outlook Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Dehydrati...
S
Sebastian Silva 57 minutes ago
Roberta Anding, RDN, a sports dietitian at Rice University in Houston, puts it like this: “If I pu...