Can you drink too much water?

Can you drink too much water?

HomeCooking Tips, RecipesCan you drink too much water?

Dietitians share their opinions on whether drinking too much water is unhealthy and how to recognize the signs.

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What happens if you drink too much water?

Carolyn Williams Ph.D. RD is a 2017 James Beard Journalism Award winner and a leading culinary nutritionist who has developed a talent for breaking down complex science into simple concise bits of information and tips. She writes for a variety of online and print publications on health topics ranging from sleep to fasting to mental health.

We’re constantly reminded of the benefits of staying hydrated but drinking enough water can be tricky even if you’ve found a water bottle you like. But can drinking too much water be bad for you? And if so how do you know when you’ve had too much?

Overhydration can cause symptoms ranging from mild and slightly annoying to life-threatening. The good news is that while drinking a few glasses of water on top of your normal hydration may cause an increase in your bathroom visits mild overhydration doesn’t put you anywhere near extreme risk. The life-threatening risks lie more in drinking excessive amounts of water especially when combined with a loss of important electrolytes.