Everyone is aware of how crucial water consumption is to good health. Yet consuming too much of it could be fatal.
Water toxicity, water poisoning, water intoxication, and hyperhydration can all result from consuming too much water.
How much is excessive?
Although it is unknown how much water will actually kill you, experts advise against drinking more than about a litre (L) of water every hour for a few hours.
The kidneys of an adult in good health can filter 20 to 28 liters of water per day, but they can only do so at a rate of roughly 1 liter per hour. Your kidneys struggle to keep up when you consume more than 1 liter of fluid every hour.
The salt in your blood will be diluted if you drink more water than your kidneys can handle, which may cause cells to enlarge.
What makes people consume excessive amounts of water
Sports and exercise
The majority of documented cases of fatal water poisoning have involved intense physical activity, such military training, competitive sports, or marathon running.
Mental health
Others have occurred as a result of compulsive water consumption, also known as psychogenic polydipsia, brought on by mental health conditions like schizophrenia and psychosis.