can you drink too much water?

nanberube

The answer is: yes you can. Water intoxication is rare, but can occur. Please be careful about drinking too much water too fast. Please read this article. http://chemistry.about.com/cs/5/f/blwaterintox.htm

deadgirl81

Think I remember reading some time ago about a woman who was dieting, but effectively drowned herself by drinking too much water!

rob1976

It happens a lot in the military.

StarryEyedGirl

i thought it only happened if you didn't relieve yourself.... I did hear that too much water can mess with kidney function, wish I knew where that article was now to share.

Beth720

Like I said in the other thread, yep. It can happen.

It's especially dangerous in high intensity training situations and running distance races like the half marathon and beyond. You HAVE to replenish the electrolytes you're losing through sweat. Alternating sports drink one aid station with water the next is one good way to make sure you're getting the electrolytes back in your system. Using gels or chews or even pretzels (I'm personally going to try pretzel m&ms...) is another good way.

The worst part is the symptoms are so similar to dehydration that getting the right treatment can be difficult if you're not conscious or aware enough to tell people how hydrated you got.