Can You Drink Too Much Water?

Drinking too much water can be dangerous because the body can only process a certain amount of water per day. This applies above all to a quantity of liquid taken up within a short period of time. In healthy people, however, this should not be a problem, since the kidneys can excrete the excess water. The German Society for Nutrition recommends around 1.5 liters of liquid per day for adults on normal days. Up to approx. 3 l are recommended in high heat or during sporting exertion. Likewise for gastrointestinal diseases, but also colds or flu-like infections. You should not significantly exceed the amount. Because if you go far beyond that, the answer to the question of whether drinking too much water can be dangerous is a resounding yes. Even water intoxication hyponatremia, which can be fatal in extreme cases, then threatens. However, this is usually very unlikely, because in healthy people the body clearly shows when it is too much, e.g. by feeling full and possibly slight nausea. According to some sources, adults can theoretically tolerate up to 10 liters a day. It is best not to exhaust this value – and stay on the safe side.

Drinking too much water – what are the symptoms?

Too much liquid can have a negative effect on the body. If you drink significantly too much water in a short period of time, you may experience headaches, for example. Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness and seizures are also symptoms – the body’s reaction to excessive fluid intake. Too much water means too little salt. The body tries to compensate for this lack of balance, which can affect the kidneys, heart, lungs and brain. Also keep in mind that fruit and vegetables already have an increased water content. Accordingly, you then need less tap water or bottled water drink to get the optimal amount of around 1.5 l to 2 l. Many people tend to be dehydrated, so you should always keep an eye on your own needs and the amount of fluid you drink.