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How Drinking Too Much Water Can Turn Deadly

  • August 04, 2017

Most of us are very much aware that too much of something isn’t always a good thing — as early 20th century architect Mies van der Rohe once said, “Less is more.” But did you know that water is a product that can be deadly if you drink too much of it? According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, too much water can interfere with your body’s sodium levels — a condition called hyponatremia — and at extremely high levels can cause seizures, coma and even death. Even more fascinating is that a study of marathon runners showed that about one-sixth of them had hyponatremia, indicating they were overhydrated.

It’s a fact that water outperforms sport drinks, which contain as much as two-thirds the sugar of a comparable serving of soda. These drinks also are filled with toxic ingredients which can damage your health, such as artificial flavors, artificial colors and high-fructose corn syrup. On top of that, the low-calorie and sugar-free versions most likely contain artificial sweeteners, which are even worse for you than fructose.

That’s why I always suggest water over anything else as the go-to beverage, whether you’re an athlete or not. But be careful: As shown, overhydration can be as concerning as underhydration. If you’re interested in getting some electrolytes with your drink, why not try coconut water, which is a powerhouse of natural electrolytes?

Coconut water also has anti-inflammatory properties, and protects your heart and urinary tract. Additionally, as a digestive tonic, it improves your skin and eyes, supports good immune function, and can even help balance your blood glucose and insulin levels.