Is excessive water drinking harmful
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Harmful Effects of Excessive Water Drinking
Acute Water Intoxication and Hyponatremia
Excessive water drinking can lead to a condition known as acute water intoxication, which is characterized by an imbalance in the body's electrolytes, particularly sodium. This condition, also known as hyponatremia, occurs when the sodium levels in the blood become dangerously low due to the dilution effect of excessive water intake. Symptoms can range from mild (dizziness, lethargy) to severe (seizures, coma), and in some cases, it can be fatal 123.
Psychiatric Conditions and Compulsive Water Drinking
Compulsive water drinking is often associated with psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis. Patients with these conditions may consume large volumes of water, leading to water intoxication. This behavior is sometimes linked to inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion, which exacerbates the problem by reducing the kidneys' ability to excrete excess water 147.
Impact on Blood Pressure
In healthy individuals, excessive water intake can also have acute effects on blood pressure. A study found that consuming large amounts of water in a short period can significantly increase both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This suggests that even in the absence of underlying health conditions, drinking too much water can have immediate cardiovascular effects 5.
Risks During Physical Activity
Excessive water consumption during physical activities, such as marathon running, has been linked to exercise-induced hyponatremia. This condition can lead to severe symptoms, including elevated intracranial pressure and seizures. There have been documented cases of fatalities due to overconsumption of water during endurance events, highlighting the importance of balancing water intake with the body's actual needs 36.
Special Populations and Overactive Bladder
For individuals with overactive bladder, increased water intake can exacerbate symptoms and lead to a significant decrease in quality of life. It is crucial for healthcare providers to educate patients about the potential negative effects of excessive water consumption, especially in populations where increased fluid intake is not beneficial 9.
Conclusion
While water is essential for life, excessive consumption can lead to serious health issues, including acute water intoxication, hyponatremia, and increased blood pressure. These risks are particularly pronounced in individuals with psychiatric conditions, during intense physical activity, and in those with overactive bladder. It is important to drink water according to the body's needs and to be aware of the potential dangers of overconsumption.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Acute Water-intoxication from Compulsive Water-drinking
Compulsive water-drinking can lead to acute water-intoxication, potentially harming thirsty patients, despite earlier claims that water "cannot harm thirsty patients."
Case ReportClinical characteristics and outcomes of hyponatraemia associated with oral water intake in adults: a systematic review
Excessive water intake in adults can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, with treatment-related complications including osmotic demyelination and rhabdomyolysis.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalWater intoxication - a dangerous condition
Excessive water intake can cause water intoxication and hyponatraemia, leading to severe symptoms and even death in healthy women and newborns.
Very Rigorous JournalWater Intoxication in Psychiatric Patients
Water intoxication in psychiatric patients can result from psychogenic polydipsia, which can be dangerous and requires close monitoring.
Case ReportAcute effect of excess water intake on blood pressu re in healthy Individuals
Excessive water intake increases blood pressure in healthy individuals within a short period of time.
RCTWater: Lifesaving or Fatal?
Drinking water to thirst is crucial for survival, but excessive consumption can be harmful and exercise-induced hyponatremia can be prevented by drinking to a minimum.
Acute psychological stress-induced water intoxication
Acute psychological stress can cause excessive water drinking, leading to brain damage and impaired cognition in a 52-year-old woman.
Case ReportAcute encephalopathy due to water intoxication.
Water intoxication can cause acute delirium and convulsions in healthy individuals, especially when ingested in large volumes.
Case ReportIs it Safe to Reduce Water Intake in the Overactive Bladder Population? A Systematic Review
Increased fluid intake is beneficial for patients with nephrolithiasis, but may exacerbate overactive bladder symptoms in women without nephrolithiasis.
Systematic ReviewTotal Fluid and Water Consumption and the Joint Effect of Exposure to Disinfection By-Products on Risk of Bladder Cancer
Higher water intake is associated with a decreased bladder cancer risk, regardless of trihalomethane exposure levels.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous Journal
Highly Cited