is it possible to drink too much water?

i just had kind of a basic question... is it possible to drink too much water? if so how much is too much? thanks

 

Yes

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=drink+too+much+water

 

Yep, some college kids died at a frat where they hazed using water instead of beer (obviously sounded like a good alternative at the time).

 

shoulda searched.... thanks guys!

 

yes... you can drown yourself from the inside.


i found this

Can You Really Drink Too Much Water?
In a word, yes. Drinking too much water can lead to a condition known as water intoxication and to a related problem resulting from the dilution of sodium in the body, hyponatremia. Water intoxication is most commonly seen in infants under six months of age and sometimes in athletes. A baby can get water intoxication as a result of drinking several bottles of water a day or from drinking infant formula that has been diluted too much. Athletes can also suffer from water intoxication. Athletes sweat heavily, losing both water and electrolytes. Water intoxication and hyponatremia result when a dehydrated person drinks too much water without the accompanying electrolytes.
What Happens During Water Intoxication?
When too much water enters the body's cells, the tissues swell with the excess fluid. Your cells maintain a specific concentration gradient, so excess water outside the cells (the serum) draws sodium from within the cells out into the serum in an attempt to re-establish the necessary concentration. As more water accumulates, the serum sodium concentration drops -- a condition known as hyponatremia. The other way cells try to regain the electrolyte balance is for water outside the cells to rush into the cells via osmosis. The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from higher to lower concentration is called osmosis. Although electrolytes are more concentrated inside the cells than outside, the water outside the cells is 'more concentrated' or 'less dilute' since it contains fewer electrolytes. Both electrolytes and water move across the cell membrane in an effort to balance concentration. Theoretically, cells could swell to the point of bursting.
From the cell's point of view, water intoxication produces the same effects as would result from drowning in fresh water. Electrolyte imbalance and tissue swelling can cause an irregular heartbeat, allow fluid to enter the lungs, and may cause fluttering eyelids. Swelling puts pressure on the brain and nerves, which can cause behaviors resembling alcohol intoxication. Swelling of brain tissues can cause seizures, coma and ultimately death unless water intake is restricted and a hypertonic saline (salt) solution is administered. If treatment is given before tissue swelling causes too much cellular damage, then a complete recovery can be expected within a few days.
It's Not How Much You Drink, It's How Fast You Drink It!
The kidneys of a healthy adult can process fifteen liters of water a day! You are unlikely to suffer from water intoxication, even if you drink a lot of water, as long as you drink over time as opposed to intaking an enormous volume at one time. As a general guideline, most adults need about three quarts of fluid each day. Much of that water comes from food, so 8-12 eight ounce glasses a day is a common recommended intake. You may need more water if the weather is very warm or very dry, if you are exercising, or if you are taking certain medications. The bottom line is this: it's possible to drink too much water, but unless you are running a marathon or an infant, water intoxication is a very uncommon condition.

 

okay so it will be totally fine if i drink a gallon a day? but no more right?

 

thats no problem, there for awhile i drank two gallons a day without any problems

 

You'll be fine with a gallon. i try to do that everyday

 

yes it is possible. I have done it and it is no fun. A gallon a day is very easy to do and you should be fine. plus it all depends on your activity level.

 

okay cause i just starteddrinking alot of water, was going to shoot for 2 gallons a day, but from what i have read that might be a little excessive. thanks guys!

 

it all depends. if you work out a lot or do alot of activitys youll be fine with 2 gallons a day. i try to drink up to 5 liters a day when doing minimal things

 

the rule of thumb for sports nutritionists is if you are exercising for an hour or less drink water; for anything over an hour have a sports drink

 

what they said,a gallon/day, etc... but also dont overdo any electrolyte mix (or gatorade.)
dont under do it either.remember its the diluting of the electrolyes that kills you.

just make sure you are taking multi-vitamins, emergen-c packets, or a gatorade here and there. Gatorade is not that much better then soda in the respect that it has a ton of hi fructose corn syrup (bad)
one really good way of getting all your electrolytes is Coconut water. It has all the good stuff with no sugar. Its kind of $$, but IMO worth it every now and then. and good for hangovers too. :]

 

And some people died on a radio show to win playstation

 

that sounds good as long as you go back to water after one or two sports drinks.

For clinical dehydration (heat exhaustion, dehydration, exposure,etc)
We would give diluted gatorade. double the water half the mix. that way theres not too much sugar and electrolytes all at once.

 

Two gallons a day would likely be pretty excessive unless you're exercising strenuously and perspiring heavily for long periods of time. Taking multi vitamins or products like emergency would be good, but don't over do these either. Most vitamins are safe in larger doses but not all, follow instructions on bottle. These things will provide only a limited amount of electrolytes however so it's most important to be sure you are eating enough. Salty snacks like trail mix, pretzels, and some fruits and veggies will provide good electrolytes that your body needs. Basically, just eat a normal healthy diet along with your gallon of water each day and you'll have nothing to worry about. However if this is a big dietary change for you, consult your doctor. There are some products like Nuun and Hammer out there for endurance athletes that have limited sugar from natural sources (no high fructose) and will supply good electrolytes. $0.02

 

You drink to much water you will die. You will die by flushing out all the electrolytes in your body.

 

i came close to it. I drank way way to much at one point and kept passin out at work. and seein how im a roofer, thats not safe at all. came home and started a month long recovery to get my electrolytes balanced again.

 

dam thanks guys...