Are You Drinking Too Much Water? Signs to Watch For

Staying hydrated is essential, but can you overdo it? The answer is yes. Drinking too much water can actually be harmful, leading to a condition called hyponatremia, where your blood sodium levels become dangerously low. Here’s how to recognize when you’re drinking too much.

You’re Constantly in the Bathroom

Frequent urination—especially waking up multiple times at night—could be a sign that you’re overhydrating. While everyone’s hydration needs are different, excessive trips to the bathroom may indicate it’s time to scale back.

Your Urine is Completely Clear

Clear urine is often mistaken as a sign of perfect hydration, but it may actually mean you’re overdoing it. Pale yellow is ideal. If your urine looks like water, try dialing it back a bit.

You’re Experiencing Headaches or Nausea

Too much water can cause swelling in cells, including brain cells. This pressure can lead to headaches, nausea, or vomiting—symptoms similar to dehydration but with a very different cause.

You’re Feeling Fatigued or Confused

Excessive water can dilute your electrolyte levels, leading to feelings of tiredness, muscle cramps, or confusion. If you’re well-rested but still feel sluggish, it might be your hydration habits.

Your Hands, Feet, or Lips Are Swelling

Water retention can be a sign of overhydration. Pay attention to puffiness in your limbs or lips—it might be time to re-evaluate how much water you’re drinking.

You Sweat Excessively Without Activity

Sweating when you haven’t been active might signal an electrolyte imbalance caused by too much water. Excess hydration can confuse the body and cause it to try to regulate temperature erratically.

You Feel Bloated or Nauseous After Drinking

If your stomach feels sloshy or upset after drinking water, you might be overwhelming your body’s ability to process fluids. This can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and queasiness.

You’re Constantly Thirsty Despite Drinking Enough

Strangely enough, one symptom of drinking too much water is feeling persistently thirsty. This is because an electrolyte imbalance can confuse your body’s thirst signals, making you feel like you need even more water.

Tip: Listen to your body and drink according to thirst. In most cases, eight 8-ounce glasses per day is a good rule of thumb, but individual needs vary based on activity level, climate, and health conditions. If you’re unsure, consult your healthcare provider.