10 Dangerous Signs & Symptoms of Water Intoxication

Water intoxication is serious. It occurs when a person drinks a large too many liters of water within an hour or less. 

The reason it's dangerous is that the kidneys can only deal with about half a liter of water within each half hour, at best. Increasing intake beyond that point can lead to several adverse reactions. Alongside there needs to be a standardized amount of water intake each day, it is also important to keep in mind the pH level of the water and make sure a person is consuming water that contains the correct acid level.

How Much Sodium is Too Much:

The major issue that arises from too much water consumption is the issue of sodium levels within the body and for those unversed, there should be no more than above 2,000mg per day as it increases the risk for high blood pressure and other cardiac health issues.

Sodium balances fluids within the body and by consuming massive amounts of water, an imbalance in the amount of liquids can occur. This imbalance can cause the body to swell up and require immediate medical intervention. 

Overhydration: 

Overhydration is more common among endurance athletes who consume large amounts of water during, after, and before training sessions. Those particularly at risk include;

• Rugby players.
• Hikers.
• Military personnel.
• Endurance runners.
• Endurance cyclists.
• Ironman triathletes.
• Marathon runners.

Symptoms of Water Intoxication:

Most people don’t recognize these symptoms when they are at the initial stages and it is usually as the condition worsens, that the symptoms become more prominent. They include;

• Confusion.
• Disorientation.
• Headaches.
• Nausea and vomiting. etc

In cases where water levels reach a lethal and life-threatening point due to a severely low sodium count, there can be an increase in the severity and it includes;

• Comas.
• Seizures.
• Cramps.
• Muscle weakness.
• Spasms. etc

Signs of Water Intoxication:

Those who consume massive amounts of water for training sessions have the following early signs. These are a good indication that it is time to limit a person’s consumption of water and they include;

1. Clear Urine:

Those who drink a healthy amount of water have urine that is either straw-colored or transparent yellow. Many believe that having clear urine is a positive sign whereas it is actually, a sign to limit water intake. 

For the majority of the population, drinking around eight or ten glasses of water is considered a safe average amount. However, this suggestion varies based on an individual’s weight, height, and lifestyle habits.

2. Frequent Urination:

Those people who consume so much water that they find themselves running to the bathroom late at night should curb and limit their water intake as well. 

Most people urinate about six or eight times a day on average and those who find themselves urinating more than ten times a day might be consuming more water than their body needs.

3. Nauseous-ness & Vomiting:

This symptom is most commonly associated with dehydration and it is therefore dangerous in cases someone mistakes it as such. Because can lead to a worsening of the symptoms. 

When a person drinks too much water, the kidneys become incapable of getting rid of the water and because of that, several unpleasant symptoms, including vomiting, nausea as well as diarrhoea could occur.

4. Throbbing Headaches:

Headaches are also a sign of both dehydration as well as overhydration. When a person consumes massive amounts of water, the sodium levels within their body diminish and cause the cells and organs within the body to swell up. 

When organs like the brain swell up, it can push against the skull and cause a throbbing headache; in more dangerous cases it can cause brain impairment or trouble breathing as well.

5. Discoloration of Extremities:

In most cases, people who consume massive amounts of water will experience a noticeable swelling of their hands, lips, and feet. When the cells within the body begin to swell, so will the skin. People may also gain a large amount of water weight as a result of this and those who drink more than ten glasses of water a day may begin to experience discoloration within their extremities.

6. Cramping & Weakness in Muscles:

People who consume massive amounts of water may experience an electrolyte imbalance. This imbalance causes several unpleasant symptoms which include spasms and cramping within the muscles. This is a symptom that can easily be remedied by substituting normal drinking water with coconut water.

7. Tiredness & Fatigue:

The kidneys within the body are responsible for making sure the water within the bloodstream stays at a balanced level and when a person drinks too much water, the kidneys have to work harder to filter it out. This adds an extreme amount of stress onto the body which can cause tiredness and fatigue within an individual. If someone finds it hard to get out of bed, they might be putting added stress onto their kidneys.