Can Overhydration Cause Diarrhoea? Let’s Find the Actual Cause and Symptoms!

We've all heard the mantra "drink plenty of water." But what about too much water? Can excessive hydration lead to diarrhoea? While it might seem counterintuitive, the answer is yes, it's possible.

A quick Google search of ‘overhydration diarrhoea’ reveals that a significant number of people have pondered this question. Overhydration, or water intoxication, occurs when you consume more water than your kidneys can process. This imbalance can disrupt your body's electrolyte levels, leading to a chain reaction of symptoms, including diarrhoea.

Let's delve deeper into the science behind this phenomenon and understand if overhydration can cause diarrhoea. Keep reading!

Table of Contents

1. Can Overhydration Cause Diarrhoea?

2. Symptoms Of Overhydration

3. Expert’s Advice 

4. The Final Say 

5. FAQs

6. References 

Can Overhydration Cause Diarrhoea?

Overhydration happens when you drink more water than your body needs. This can throw off the balance of important minerals in your body, like sodium. Overhydration can cause diarrhoea because it messes with your body's balance of minerals and speeds up your gut's movement. 

Here’s how:

• Osmotic Diarrhea: Drinking too much water can upset the balance of important minerals like sodium in your body. This can cause water to move into your intestines, making your poop watery and loose, leading to diarrhoea.

  
  

• Hormonal Effects: Drinking excessive water might also cause the release of some hormones. These can accelerate the movement of your gut, increasing the chances of diarrhoea.

Also Read: 7 Medical Reasons You Might Experience Diarrhoea While Pregnant 

Symptoms Of Overhydration

Symptoms of overhydration, also known as water intoxication or hyponatremia, can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Sometimes, symptoms of overhydration can overlap with those of dehydration or other medical conditions, so it is crucial to seek medical advice if you experience any concerning symptoms, especially if you have been consuming large amounts of water.

Also Read: Are You Drinking Too Much Water? Check Out 5 Over Hydration Side Effects With Symptoms And Causes To Prevent It! 

Expert’s Advice 

As a dietitian, my advice for preventing overhydration diarrhoea is simple: maintain a balanced fluid intake. Listen to your body's thirst signals, and drink water when you feel thirsty. Avoid forcing yourself to drink excessive amounts. Opt for electrolyte-rich foods and beverages like coconut water, lemonade, etc., especially after intense physical activity or in hot weather. Watch your fluid intake, and you can prevent overhydration and diarrhoea and stay healthy.

Health Expert
Aditi Upadhyay

The Final Say 

In the end, while drinking enough water is very important for staying healthy, it is also necessary to find a good balance. Drinking too much water can cause several health problems, such as electrolyte imbalances, and symptoms, such as feeling sick, having headaches, getting confused, or even having seizures in serious situations. 

Sometimes, it also causes overhydration diarrhoea, and this should be taken care of. Knowing the signs of drinking too much water and being careful with how much fluid you drink is very important for keeping good health. It is very important to pay attention when your body tells you something and not drink too much water.

FAQs

1. Can overhydration cause stomach problems? 

Yes, consuming too much water can lead to stomach issues like bloating, stomach distention, low digestibility of food by disturbing the concentration of digestive enzymes, nausea, etc. These symptoms may vary from person to person.

2. Why do I get diarrhoea after drinking? 

Diarrhea can occur after drinking due to excessive water intake, which disrupts the body's electrolyte balance.

3. How much water is sufficient for an adult?

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the recommended water intake for adults varies, but generally, around 3 liters (12 cups) per day for men and 2.2 liters (9 cups) per day for women is sufficient to maintain hydration levels in optimum weather conditions and sedentary lifestyle. However the requirements change as per the activity level and increase in perspiration and other fluids losses.

References

• What Happens When You Drink Too Much Water? (webmd.com)

• Water Toxicity - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

• Too Much Water: How Much Is Intoxication? (verywellhealth.com)

About ToneOp

ToneOp is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.