Question:
Is it possible to drink too much fluids?

Today, I easily have consumed over 70 oz of fluids. I still have 12 oz of milk to drink. Before surgery I drank an amazing amount everyday.    — Rena L. (posted on October 4, 2003)

October 4, 2003
Rena: 70 oz. over a day isn't nearly too much, but you can drink too much water at once. It has to be an awful lot though. I know of at least one death where a foster parent made a kid drink so much water as punishment that the child died. Too much water can make your electolytes go out of whack. I think that's what they said anyway. I'm not sure how much is too much, but it's a whole lot. So much I don't think you'd have to worry about it unless you were drinking until you were very uncomfortable. But like any medical question it's best to ask a doctor. I'm no expert, I just know a child did supposedly die because he was forced to drinking too much water. S
   — sherry hedgecock

October 4, 2003
I hope not cause I drink around 100 oz of water every day.
   — LLinderman

October 4, 2003
The time that this is at highest risk is when you're sweating a lot and losing sodium from the body. Many people (especially runners and other athletes) then to drink a lot of water to replenish the fluids their sweating out. Unfortunately because what you're losing is sodium and your drinking plain water it does mess with your electrolyte balance. It's very rare for anyone to get ill or die from this, but it does happen. If you're sweating a lot (or vomiting, having the runs, etc) then you're better off drinking Gatorade (for normies) or it's lighter counter-part, Propel, to replenish the fluids you're loosing. If your urine is bright yellow (or dark yellowy-tannish), you're not drinking enough fluid and if it's clear you could be getting in a bit too much. It should (in theory) have a very slight tinge of yellow to it for optimal fluid intake/output.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 5, 2003
I know many people who drink a gallon a day or 128 ounces. You can drink too much but it usually happens with power loading water all at one time which we really can't do. As far as the electrolytes go i have added at least one Propel fittness water to my daily intake and it has made me feel much better. I no longer get dizzy or feel as run down as I did before. We don't get a lot of stuff when we have such limited diets and that has helped me a lot. The 60 ounce thing should always be presented as the minimum that we need as we no longer get so much of our fluids in our food. I know I am getting in all of my fluids when I am losing. If I don't I slow way down. Also if I am drinking enoug then I know that I am not over eating. I just simply can't do both.
   — Carol S.

October 5, 2003
Yes, you can drink too much when it comes to liquids. There is a medical condition associated with it and the name escapes me right now. 70 ounces is not enough to cause the problem though. If you look in the archives you will find more info about.
   — M B.

October 5, 2003
You are no where NEAR having too much water - so relax. There is a fatal condition - water toxicity similar to alcohol poisoning. Same thing, too much alcohol too fast - body can't handle it - toxicity=death. With water, jsut as alcohol, it depends on your size, amount take in, length of time over which the water was consumed. For an adult, you'd have to drink about 4 GALLONS (seriously) in a couple hours. People actually appear drunk or have same symptons as alcohol overdose! Anyway, you are fine drink away. Take care of yourself. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs!
   — Deborah F.

October 5, 2003
Thanks for everyone's answers they are all very helpful. I'll stop worrying now and drink up!
   — Rena L.