Can You Die from Drinking Too Much Water?

Yes, actually, you can die from drinking too much water. Hyponatremia, or a water overdose, is caused by too much dilution of the blood. Diluting the blood causes an imbalance in blood sodium concentration — if the level drops below 0.4 ounces per gallon (about 135 millimoles per liter), water intoxication can occur.

Water facts:

• Water makes up about 66% of the human body.
  
  
• Water intoxication symptoms include nausea, headache, vomiting and disorientation.
  
  
• Each year about 1/6 of marathon runners overdose on water trying to remain hydrated during the run.
  
  
• A severe water overdose can cause brain swelling, which can result in seizures, respiratory arrest and death.
  
  
• Scientific studies have found that there is no evidence to support the recommended eight 8-ounce (about 236-ml) glasses of water per day.
  
  
• The average human kidney excretes 0.21 to 0.26 gallons (about 800 to 1,000 milliliters) of water per hour.