Question

Trish from Canada asks: I drink about 3-4 liters of water a day, is this dangerous, and can it be a health problem down the road for me?

Answer

When you drink too much water, your kidneys have to excrete the extra. I can not tell, however, if 3-4 liters is too much for you. An athlete who vigorously exercises may need that much water. A sedentary or mildly active person would not. Normally the kidney can excrete through urination an extra liter or two beyond needs. If fluid is extremely excessive, sometimes the high urination increases the loss of potassium and other electrolytes. This can cause seizures and death. Over-hydration is a large problem in individuals who do not correctly interpret their thirst signals. For example some mentally challenged individuals have to be put on fluid restrictions to stop them from overdrinking. Dr. Irene