Drinking too much water can lead to a condition called water intoxication or hyponatremia, which is an electrolyte imbalance caused by dilution of sodium in the blood. Sodium is essential for maintaining fluid balance inside and outside cells. When sodium levels drop too low due to excessive water intake, water moves into the body's cells, causing them to swell. This swelling is particularly dangerous in brain cells, leading to increased pressure inside the skull (cerebral edema), which can cause headaches, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures, coma, or even death
. Other symptoms of overhydration include muscle cramps, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, bloating, and difficulty breathing. The kidneys can only process about 0.8 to 1 liter of water per hour, so drinking more than this can overwhelm them, leading to fluid retention and further complications
. Water intoxication is rare and usually occurs in extreme situations such as intense physical activity with excessive water intake, certain medical conditions, or use of drugs that increase thirst. Treatment involves reducing water intake and, in severe cases, administering sodium to restore electrolyte balance
. In summary, drinking too much water disrupts your body's sodium balance, causes cells to swell, especially in the brain, and can lead to serious health issues including headaches, nausea, confusion, seizures, and potentially fatal outcomes if untreated
