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Claim: An X user, Fact (@fact), claims that excessive water intake by human beings can be deadly. The post states, “Drinking too much water can kill you.”
Verdict: True. DUBAWA’s findings reveal that excessive water intake by humans can cause a condition called water intoxication, which may lead to death.
Full Text
Water, composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H₂O), is vital for human health. It accounts for approximately 75% of an infant’s body weight and around 55% of an adult’s body weight. It supports many essential physiological functions, including regulating body temperature, aiding digestion, transporting nutrients and oxygen, removing waste, lubricating joints, and cushioning organs. Water also maintains body temperature through sweating.
On May 15, 2025, an X user named Fact (@fact) claimed that too much water intake by human beings can kill. The post reads, “Drinking too much water can kill you.”
As of May 23, 2025, the post had garnered 250 reactions and 55 reposts.
The claim sparked mixed reactions from users on the platform, with several expressing scepticism and questioning its accuracy.
An X user, X Police (@sir_Nasmarr), expressing disbelief, wrote, “Untrue.”
Another user, Watcharat (@TonWatcharat), said, “It (water) has more to do with the rate you consume it, like drowning, in my humble opinion. I drank at least 10 litres a day when I was training intensely. Cheers.”
RYAN (@10_tacotate) asked, “How much is too much? I already drank 11 litres today due to the heat.” Similarly, Ravi Elvin (@iravielvin) asked, “How much is too much?”
While it is known that water is fundamental to human life and good for health, the claim that drinking too much of it can be fatal sparked DUBAWA’s curiosity to investigate the claim in the interest of public health.
Verification
Excessive water intake can be dangerous, leading to hyponatremia, a condition where sodium levels in the blood drop dangerously low. The National Library of Medicine explains that sodium regulates fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle function. Too much water dilutes sodium, causing cells to swell. This is especially harmful in the brain, potentially triggering confusion, seizures, coma, or death.
The National Kidney Foundation notes early symptoms of hyponatremia include nausea, headache, and confusion, reflecting the brain’s sensitivity to sodium imbalance. If untreated, this can escalate to severe neurological damage or death due to brain swelling.
A study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal revealed that some endurance athletes, especially marathoners, have died from overhydration, not dehydration. Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) debunks the myth that dehydration is the main risk in such sports.
Water intake needs differ greatly between babies and adults. Infants under 6 months should get all hydration from breast milk or formula, as extra water can harm their immature kidneys and cause water intoxication. After 6 months, small amounts of water, 4 to 8 ounces, can be given alongside milk, which remains the primary source of fluid. Adults need to consume significantly more water, approximately 2 litres for women and 2.5 litres for men, daily to stay properly hydrated.
Individuals with dehydration or hydration-related issues, such as illness, fever, or intense physical activity, require increased fluid intake and may need oral rehydration solutions (ORS), which contain glucose and electrolytes, to restore their electrolyte balance. Healthy individuals generally maintain hydration by drinking according to thirst and adjusting their intake based on activity level and climate.
Experts Weigh in
Health experts agree that while hydration is essential, overhydration can overwhelm the kidneys, cause a sodium imbalance, and lead to brain swelling.
According to Dietitian Oluwatobi Bankole, General Secretary of the Institute for Dietetics in Nigeria (Ondo State), excessive water intake can lead to dilutional hyponatremia.
“Excessive water intake can lead to dilutional hyponatremia. Drinking 3 to 4 litres within 1–2 hours can overwhelm the kidneys.” He warns that when sodium falls below 135 mEq/L, water rushes into cells—especially in the brain—raising intracranial pressure and risking death,” he said.
Professor Ignatius Onimawo, former Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, advised that six litres should be the daily limit.
“Beyond six litres, the kidneys may shut down. Water intoxication can occur and may be fatal.”
A Consultant Nephrologist and Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, Prof. Ayodeji Akinbodewa, stressed that babies need careful hydration. “Babies have a smaller body water space than adults, so their water intake must be carefully measured. Overhydration can lead to water intoxication and hyponatremia. Since food also contains natural water, total intake includes both food and drink,” he said.
For adults, he recommended about 3 litres of water daily, noting that more may be needed in some medical cases. “Drinking above 3 litres in a day will trigger the stomach’s reflex to vomit, and excess rapid intake beyond the body’s elimination rate can cause water intoxication. Generally, healthy kidneys, bladder, and heart can safely handle three to five litres daily,” he explained.
He added that dehydration requires monitored intake. “In dehydration with signs like dry tongue or dark urine, fluid replacement may exceed three litres but must be medically supervised and spaced. If the kidneys or bladder are impaired, water accumulates in the body, increasing the risk of intoxication,” he said. “Water intoxication is rare in healthy people, thanks to natural mechanisms like vomiting and urination, but drinking large amounts rapidly can overwhelm the system, dilute sodium, and cause fatal complications.”
The experts emphasise the importance of public awareness about safe hydration, particularly during hot weather or intense physical activity, to prevent deadly complications.
Conclusion
The claim that drinking too much water can kill is valid. Research and experts warn that excessive intake, especially over a short period, can lead to water intoxication, disrupting the body’s electrolyte balance. This imbalance can cause serious health issues like brain swelling, kidney failure, and even death.
