Believe it or not, it’s possible to drink too much water. In fact, overhydration can lead to hyponatremia, a condition that occurs when the sodium levels in your blood become too low. If this happens because you’re exercising hard and drinking a ton of water or you’re trying some new kind of water-heavy diet or cleanse, it’s no big deal and you can easily treat it at home. However, if your excessive thirst is acute and caused by an underlying condition though, you may need emergency medical care. In this article, we’ll cover everything you’d ever need to know about drinking too much water
Minor symptoms of hyponatremia that don’t require emergency medical care include minor hand swelling, nausea, and headaches.
If you vomit, experience weakness, have a seizure, or become confused as a result of drinking too much water, seek emergency medical care.
You can treat minor overhydration at home by not drinking water, eating a meal, and taking it easy.
Your doctor will treat acute or serious overhydration via IV sodium replacement and by treating any underlying conditions.