From controlling body temperature and flushing out toxins, adequate hydration plays a vital role in our general health and well-being, water is a life essential. However, while dehydration garners significant attention, overhydration, or drinking excessive amounts of water, is a condition that can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.

Although it may sound bizarre since drinking water is said to be the solution for most health related problems it is important to recognize how much water is considered "too much" or the risks involved with being overhydrated can maintain a healthy balance.

What Is Water Intoxication?

Water intoxication, also termed hyperhydration, water poisoning or water toxemia, develops when an individual drinks much more water than the kidney can excrete. The main function of the kidneys in the human body is the processing and excretion of excess water. However, the human kidneys can process only up to 0.8 to 1.0 liters of water at a time. Drinking an amount that exceeds this may overwhelm the kidneys and put the electrolyte balance out of sync in the human body.

Electrolytes, especially sodium, are essential in maintaining fluid balance within and outside cells. Hyponatremia is the condition when sodium levels fall below 135 mmol/L, resulting from excessive water intake. This causes water to shift into cells, swelling them. In the brain, this can cause severe complications, including coma or even death.

Symptoms of Water Intoxication

The symptoms of water intoxication vary from mild to severe. Early symptoms are often similar to dehydration, which makes self-diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Confusion and disorientation

In more serious cases, water intoxication can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, or swelling in the brain. These complications can be fatal if left untreated.

A notable case occurred in 2007 when a woman participating in a water-drinking contest tragically died after consuming nearly two gallons of water in under two hours. More recently, actress Brooke Shields experienced a grand mal seizure attributed to excessive water consumption.

Causes of Water Intoxication

Water intoxication is rare, but certain scenarios can increase the risk:

1. Sporting Events and Endurance Training

These endurance athletes are prone to water intoxication, especially if they drink large amounts of water without replacing lost electrolytes. Hyponatremia usually happens during long races or marathons as individuals mistake fatigue and muscle cramps for dehydration and continue drinking water in excess.

2. Military Training

Overhydration among military personnel is usually due to severe physical activity in extreme environmental conditions. The total number of hyponatremia cases documented from 2007 through 2022 for the active duty in the United States exceeds 1,600, with a note to this problem on exertion-related overhydration.

3. Mental Health Conditions

Compulsive water drinking, known as psychogenic polydipsia, is linked with some mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and psychosis. People with these conditions tend to drink too much water, causing a hazardous electrolyte imbalance.

4. Drug Abuse

Drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy) raise the body temperature and make people thirsty, and at times, some people tend to drink excess water at events like music festivals. MDMA also leads to urine retention, thus exacerbating the dangers of water intoxication.

How Much Water Is Too Much?

The exact amount of water that causes intoxication varies from one person to another. However, drinking more than 1 liter of water per hour for several hours raises the risk. For healthy individuals, the risk of overhydration is low unless taking part in extreme physical activity or ignoring thirst cues.

Certain medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disorders, can impair the body's ability to process fluids, and even moderate water intake may be harmful. Similarly, certain medications, such as diuretics and antipsychotics, can affect the perception of thirst or fluid regulation.

How Much Water Is Enough?

The widely touted recommendation of eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day has little basis in fact. According to the National Academy of Medicine, a daily total fluid intake is about 15 cups (3.7 liters) for males and 11 cups (2.7 liters) for females, from beverage sources and from food. Usually, about 20 percent of daily hydration comes from foods such as fruits and vegetables.

A better rule of thumb is to listen to your body and drink water based on thirst. Use the color of your urine as an indicator:

• Light yellow urine indicates proper hydration.
• Dark yellow urine may indicate dehydration.

Older adults, whose thirst mechanisms may decline with age, should be proactive about maintaining hydration, especially during illness or hot weather.

Water Intoxication vs. Dehydration

The symptoms of water intoxication—such as headaches, fatigue, and muscle weakness—are similar to those of dehydration. If you are unsure which condition you are experiencing, seek medical attention immediately rather than self-treating with more water.

Preventing Water Intoxication

To avoid the dangers of overhydration:

• Drink water gradually throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once.
• Replace lost electrolytes post high-intensity exercise or heavy sweating.
• Consider using sports drinks or salty snacks to help replenish sodium.
• Keep track of fluid consumption during long-duration activities, and do not consume more water than the body is losing in terms of electrolytes.
• If on medications or have specific medical conditions, check with your doctor regarding the safety of drinking water.

For signs of severe water intoxication-including confusion, drowsiness, seizures, and loss of consciousness-customer is advised to seek medical assistance immediately. In the meanwhile, a salty snack would help to temporarily correct low sodium levels.

Hydration is important to health, but overhydration can be a serious risk; the secret is in finding a balance. Drink enough water to satisfy your body, but not so much that it overwhelms your system. Remember, water is life, but moderation keeps it that way.

Hyponatremia (low sodium level in the blood). National Kidney Foundation. 2023.

Water Toxicity. NIH. 2023

Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia: 2017 Update. Front Med (Lausanne). 2017

Update: Exertional Hyponatremia Among Active Component Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 2007–2022

People can end up in hospital if they take too much vitamin D, doctors have warned. Health experts say excessive intake can be harmful, with cases of hypervitaminosis D rising and linked to a range of serious health problems. Women, children, and people with existing illnesses are considered more vulnerable to the condition.

Doctors Warn Vitamin D Overdose Can Lead To Hospitalisation

The warning follows the case of a middle-aged man in the UK who was admitted to hospital after first visiting his family doctor. He complained of persistent vomiting, nausea, chest pain, leg cramps, ringing in his ears, dry mouth, intense thirst, diarrhoea, and unexplained weight loss.

His symptoms had lasted for nearly three months and began after he started seeing a nutritional therapist who recommended multiple vitamin and dietary supplements.

The patient already had several underlying health conditions, including tuberculosis, an inner ear tumour that had caused hearing loss in one ear, a build-up of fluid in the brain, bacterial meningitis, and chronic sinusitis.

What Is Hypervitaminosis D?

Vitamin D toxicity, also known as hypervitaminosis D, occurs when vitamin D levels build up excessively in the body. It is uncommon and usually results from taking doses that exceed medical advice, either through high-strength prescription vitamin D or excessive use of over-the-counter supplements taken without guidance.

Daily Intake Exceeded Recommended Vitamin D Levels

Doctors found that he had been taking more than 20 over-the-counter supplements every day. Together, they contained more than 80 times the recommended daily amount of vitamin D. He was consuming around 50,000 micrograms daily, despite the advised dose being just 600 micrograms. The mix of supplements also included excessive vitamin B9 and omega-3, alongside other vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and probiotics.

Although he stopped taking the supplements once symptoms appeared, his condition did not improve. Blood tests later showed his vitamin D levels were seven times higher than what is considered healthy. He also had dangerously high calcium levels and slightly raised magnesium levels.

Doctors found that his kidneys were not functioning properly, though scans ruled out cancer.

Patient Treated In Hospital For Eight Days With Fluids And Medication

The man remained in hospital for eight days, where he was treated with intravenous fluids to flush excess substances from his body. He was also given medications typically used to strengthen bones and reduce calcium levels in the blood.

Two months after leaving hospital, his calcium levels had returned to normal, but his vitamin D levels were still above the healthy range. NHS advises sticking to recommended vitamin D doses, especially in winter

Vitamin D can be obtained naturally from sunlight, oily fish, and wild mushrooms. The NHS advises people to follow recommended doses, particularly during autumn and winter when sunlight exposure is limited. It recommends that everyone over the age of one consider taking a daily supplement of 10 micrograms, or 400 IU, from October to March.

Hypervitaminosis D Is Rising Globally

Researchers involved in the case said there is a growing global trend of hypervitaminosis D, a condition marked by unusually high vitamin D levels in the blood. Symptoms can last for several weeks.

The researchers noted that symptoms vary widely and can include drowsiness, confusion, apathy, psychosis, depression, stupor, coma, loss of appetite, chest pain, vomiting, constipation, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and kidney problems. Inflammatory eye disease, joint stiffness, hearing loss, and deafness have also been reported.

While the condition remains relatively rare, experts stress that it is possible to overdose on vitamin D. They warned that supplements often seen as harmless can become toxic when taken in unsafe amounts or combined improperly. The findings were published in the journal BMJ Case Reports.

Anyone who takes aspirin daily is being warned that the medication can cause serious side effects, and for many people, the risks may outweigh the benefits. First developed in the 1890s and commonly sold as an over-the-counter painkiller, aspirin was prescribed for years as a preventive treatment for heart disease.

Taking Aspirin Every Day Long Term Can Be Dangerous

According to MailOnline, more than two million people in the UK take aspirin every day to protect their heart. The drug works as a blood thinner, helping to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, newer research suggests that aspirin offers little benefit for people who do not already have heart or circulation-related conditions.

More serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include coughing up blood, blood in the stool or urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes which may signal liver problems, painful joints linked to high uric acid levels, and swelling of the hands or feet caused by fluid retention.

Aspirin can also lead to stomach ulcers, and some people may develop allergic reactions. The Mail reports that during the early 2000s, when aspirin use was at its peak, the drug may have contributed to around 7,000 deaths a year in the UK. There are also concerns that it could increase the risk of bleeding in the brain.

In 2021, official guidelines were updated to say that people should only take daily aspirin if advised by a doctor. In 2023, GPs were instructed not to routinely prescribe aspirin to patients who have never had a heart attack.

Aspirin: NHS Recommendations

The NHS still recommends daily aspirin for people who have previously had a heart attack or stroke. Anyone who has been advised by a doctor to take aspirin should not stop without seeking medical guidance.

A 2019 study by the UK’s National Heart and Lung Institute found that daily aspirin provides only limited benefit for people without underlying heart disease, while significantly increasing the risk of serious internal bleeding.

Professor Malcolm Finlay, a consultant cardiologist at Barts Heart Centre in central London, told the Mail: “For patients who have suffered a heart attack or stroke, there is still a strong case for taking daily aspirin. But for everyone else, the benefit is very small.”

He added that aspirin’s side effects should not be underestimated. “You could have a bleed in the stomach, which can cause several days of severe pain. If bleeding occurs in the brain, it can be life-threatening,” he said.

Professor Finlay also revealed that he personally experienced a major stomach bleed while taking aspirin for a back injury.

Doctors who prescribe aspirin often also prescribe medications such as omeprazole or lansoprazole to help protect the stomach. However, Prof Finlay warned that these drugs should not be used long term either. He said this is why the NHS no longer recommends routine aspirin use, adding that there are now better cardiovascular treatments available that do not carry the same risks.

Aspirin Common Side Effects

These affect more than one in 100 people. The NHS advises taking aspirin with food to help reduce stomach-related issues.

• Indigestion and stomach pain: This is the most common complaint.
• Bleeding more easily: People may notice more frequent nosebleeds, bruising, or cuts that take longer to stop bleeding.
• Nausea or vomiting: Feeling sick or being sick after taking aspirin.

Aspirin Serious Side Effects

• Signs of internal bleeding: Coughing up blood or noticing blood in urine, vomit, or stools, which may appear black or tar-like.
• Liver problems: Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes.
• Joint pain: Especially in the hands or feet, which may indicate high uric acid levels and possible gout.
• Swollen hands or feet: This may be a sign of fluid retention.

Immediate Emergency Symptoms

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience:

• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction): Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, or a widespread itchy or blistering rash.
• Severe wheezing: Particularly in people with asthma, as aspirin can trigger serious attacks.

NHS Important Safety Warning

Under 16s: The NHS strongly advises against giving aspirin to children under 16 unless prescribed by a doctor, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition that causes severe liver and brain damage.

Indian health authorities are moving quickly to control a Nipah virus outbreak after five confirmed cases and the quarantine of nearly 100 people in West Bengal. Officials said three fresh infections were detected earlier this week, adding to two earlier cases involving a male and a female nurse. Both nurses were employed at a private hospital in Barasat, close to Kolkata. According to Press Trust of India, the newly confirmed patients include a doctor, a nurse, and another healthcare worker.

Nipah Virus Outbreak India: What Is Nipah Virus?

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic infection, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. Fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are the primary carriers, but the virus can also be transmitted through pigs and other animals such as goats, horses, dogs, or cats. According to the Cleveland Clinic, infection can occur when:

• People or animals come into contact with bodily fluids like blood, urine, stool, or saliva from an infected animal.
• People consume food items contaminated by infected animals.
• People have close contact with someone infected with Nipah virus, most often while providing care.

The most effective way to reduce the risk of Nipah virus is to avoid contact with sick animals, particularly bats and pigs, in regions where outbreaks have been reported. It is also advised to stay away from foods that animals could contaminate, such as raw date palm sap or partially eaten fruit. Since Nipah can spread between people through bodily fluids, caution is essential when interacting with infected individuals.

Nipah virus can lead to symptoms ranging from mild illness to severe disease, including encephalitis, which can be fatal. At present, there is no specific drug or vaccine available, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care.

Preventing Nipah virus relies on strict infection control practices, including the use of protective gear, proper surface disinfection, and avoiding areas or animals linked to known outbreaks.

Nipah Virus Outbreak India: Where Is Nipah Virus Found?

People traveling to countries prone to Nipah outbreaks, such as Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, or India, are advised to take extra precautions. Other regions, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Thailand, may also be at risk because the bat species responsible for spreading the virus are present there.

Nipah Virus Symptoms and Causes

Early signs of Nipah virus infection may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Cough and sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches and extreme weakness

Symptoms usually appear within four to 14 days after exposure. Many people first experience fever or headache, followed by breathing problems such as cough or shortness of breath.

In more serious cases, the infection can progress to encephalitis, a dangerous brain inflammation. Severe symptoms may include:

• Confusion or altered mental state
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Coma
• Severe breathing distress

Experts do not fully understand why some people develop serious illness while others experience mild or no symptoms at all.

Nipah Virus: How Contagious Is It?

Nipah virus is infectious and can spread from animals like bats and pigs to humans through bodily fluids or contaminated food. It can also pass between people through close contact, especially in caregiving settings. While it can spread via respiratory droplets in enclosed spaces, it is not considered highly airborne and usually requires close, prolonged contact for transmission. Common routes include direct exposure to infected animals or their fluids, consuming contaminated fruits or date palm sap, and contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, or blood from an infected person.

Nipah Virus Outbreak India: Who Is Most At Risk?

People most at risk of Nipah virus are those who are more likely to come into close contact with infected animals or patients. This includes:

• Healthcare workers caring for Nipah patients, especially without proper protective equipment
• Family members and caregivers who have close physical contact with infected individuals
• People living near bat habitats, particularly fruit bat roosting areas
• Those who consume contaminated food, such as raw date palm sap or fruits partially eaten by bats
• Farmers, animal handlers, and slaughterhouse workers who work with pigs or other animals that can carry the virus
• Residents of outbreak-prone regions in India and Bangladesh, where Nipah cases recur
• People with weak immunity, who may develop more severe illness after infection
• Close, prolonged contact is the biggest risk factor. Casual contact in public spaces is far less likely to spread the virus.