How Much Water Is Too Much Water?

[Leigh8]

I am drinking about 150 ounces of water a day.....is that too much? I eat a lot of salt too, so I am very thirsty! My doctor recommended lots of water, but I don't know if there can be too much.

[FarmerAmy]

Yes, there can definitely be too much water. I don't know what amount is too much. You would probably have to gulp several gallons all at once to get into trouble. I would ask your doctor about an upper limit for water consumption.

[khaarina]

I've looked into this too and there seems to be some conflicting ideas out there about how much water is too much. This is a good question for your doctor, but until then, be sure to spread it out so you are not drinking too much all at once.

[SeattleRain]

"The United States Department of Agriculture, food and nutrition information center, in general recommends an average daily fluid intake, including liquids from foods and other beverages, of 2.7 liters or 91 ounces for women, and 3.7 liters or 125 ounces for men spread throughout the day."

I think 150 ounces, which is about 4 1/2 liters is definitely near the threshold for when any more water is overkill (unless you have some serious water retention issues).

Water intoxication wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_intoxication

[brethor9]

for me personally because I am hypovolemic I was told by my specialists to drink 4-5 litres spread out over the day..... my body has trouble holding water so I think I could never take in too much because it goes right back out but definately check with your doctor to be sure......are you taking Florinef? it can be helpful to stabalize the fluid issues also

Bren

[yogini]

Even if you are hypovolemic, there is such a thing as too much water. If you drink water then go to the bathroom, you could lose electrolytes with the water, which can wreak all kinds of havoc on your body. I've heard 2-3 liters as a rule of thumb, but it really does depend on you and what particular condition(s) you have. I think it is a good idea to talk to your dr.

[brethor9]

I should have added....I have testing every month to see where my levels are sitting at and act accordingly.....but I am also one of the people that need to get saline infusions biweekly to keep my fluids topped up....my chronic dehydration really messed up...... but again everyone is an individual case so i am certainly not advocating that just because I am to drink that much everyone should

[spinner]

I think common sense dictates.

I good amount is healthy. Especially before exposure to heat.

But obviously gorging yourself with ridiiculous amounts is dangerous.

A full glass regularly will keep you hydrated.

I think some people overdo it and end up urinating a lot of salt

and nutrients out that they need.

[shadesofgrey49]

When I tried Desmopressin a few months ago, I had my normal water intake (which is probably similar to what Leigh8 is describing), and ended up in the ER with hypovolemia symptoms. I stopped the med, but now I'm worried about my intake and whether I actually retain any electrolytes...

[Batik]

A friend of a friend with severe ME, and almost certainly undiagnosed POTS, died from water poisoning a month ago. He hadn't eaten much the day before and was trying to get his fluids up, and no one had ever told him he should be getting more salt. I don't think he even drank all that much. Please be careful.