Yes you CAN drink too much water . . .

Sheepdoglady

Just read this, and found it quite worrying considering I hear people giving advice all the time on this site to "drink as much water as you can, and then drink some more"

"Can You Drink Too Much Water?

In the past few years studies have shown that many of us don't drink enough water for good health. Along with general healthy eating recommendations, most health promoters have urged us all to drink more water, particularly whilst exercising. The message has been strong - avoid dehydration.

However, there is a different story emerging, especially amongst people who exercise. According to researchers almost as many exercisers are putting their health at risk by over-consuming water as drinking too little.

Drinking water at every opportunity can cause serious problems, such as hyponatraemia or water intoxication. As the water content of the blood increases, the salt content is diluted. Consequently the amount of salt available to body tissues decreases, which can lead to problems with brain, heart and muscle function.

Initial symptoms of over-hydration include dizziness, nausea, apathy and confusion. However these symptoms are also associated with dehydration - so it's important to be aware of how much you are drinking.

Is there cause for alarm? The British Dietetic Association guidelines state that an average adult should consume 2.5 litres of water per day. This intake needs to be increased during periods of hot weather or during and after periods of physical activity.

You can get your daily water requirements from sources other than pure water - your cup of tea counts! Water is the main ingredient of all drinks – carbonated drinks and still drinks, fruit juices and fruit and vegetables all have a high water content.

A clear message of Do It, but Don’t Overdo It!!"

elainegsd

My bet is that there is a BIG difference between those 2.5 liters recommended, and the point where issues occur. It probably isn't going to be an issue for a huge majority of people who "drink a lot of water".

I googled and found this article:
http://chemistry.about.com/cs/5/f/blwaterintox.htm

Which states:
It's Not How Much You Drink, It's How Fast You Drink It!

The kidneys of a healthy adult can process fifteen liters of water a day! You are unlikely to suffer from water intoxication, even if you drink a lot of water, as long as you drink over time as opposed to intaking an enormous volume at one time. As a general guideline, most adults need about three quarts of fluid each day. Much of that water comes from food, so 8-12 eight ounce glasses a day is a common recommended intake. You may need more water if the weather is very warm or very dry, if you are exercising, or if you are taking certain medications. The bottom line is this: it's possible to drink too much water, but unless you are running a marathon or an infant, water intoxication is a very uncommon condition.

Beth720

It's definitely something to be aware of. Especially when doing something like training for and running long distances (especially the half marathon and up through the ultra 100 milers). If you ONLY drink water during long training runs and a marathon, there's a good chance you can end up with hypotranemia - the thing the article is talking about. You NEED to replenish those electrolytes that you're sweating out. You don't have to drink the sports drink at every water stop, but alternating it with water isn't a bad idea.

Because the symptoms are so similar to those of dehydration, it can be especially dangerous in race situations. There have been cases where people have slipped into comas at the very least because they were actually hypotranemic but were treated for dehydration.

It's all a matter of finding a balance - but if you're working out hard and long, you need something besides water to replenish the things you're losing.