Prakash Kafle/Kathmandu. Health experts around the world are reminding the public that while staying hydrated is essential, drinking extremely large amounts of water in a short period can be dangerous and even fatal.
Known medically as water intoxication or hyponatremia, the condition occurs when excessive water intake dilutes the sodium level in the bloodstream. Sodium is a critical electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in and around cells. When levels fall too low, cells begin to swell. If this swelling happens in the brain, it can lead to serious complications, including seizures, coma, or death.
Medical professionals emphasize that the kidneys can only process a limited amount of water per hour — roughly 0.8 to 1 liter in healthy adults. Rapidly consuming significantly more than this amount can overwhelm the body’s ability to maintain a safe electrolyte balance.
Recent public health discussions were reignited after stories circulated of individuals participating in extreme water-drinking challenges and experiencing severe symptoms of hyponatremia. In one widely reported case, a participant in a water-drinking contest tragically died after consuming large quantities of water in a short time frame.
Symptoms of water intoxication include headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and lethargy. If untreated, the condition can progress quickly to more severe neurological symptoms.
Experts advise drinking water according to thirst and to spread intake throughout the day. They also recommend that individuals involved in intense exercise or hot conditions supplement with electrolyte solutions rather than relying solely on plain water.
Health authorities stress that balance is key: adequate hydration supports normal bodily functions, but excessive intake without electrolytes can pose serious risks.
