Too Much Water – Not Always A Good Thing
If you’ve been around me for any amount of time, you may have noticed my “emotional support water bottle.” For years now, I’ve been drinking a ton of water. But last year when I did my 75 Hard Challenge, I made an extra effort to ensure I got in at least a gallon of water a day. I even bought myself a fancy 1-gallon jug. I don’t usually drink directly from that, instead, I pour it into my emotional support bottle. Aside from the weekends, I almost always finish more than a gallon a day. But, I’m learning, too much water is not always a good thing!
Too Much Water Can Be Deadly?
In a recent Vanity Fair article, they are now saying that actor Bruce Lee may have died from drinking too much water! Lee was a legendary martial artist and actor. He even had a saying, “Be water, my friend.” But unfortunately, he passed away in July 1973 at only 32 years old.
Originally, his death was believed to be due to cerebral edema (swelling of the brain). Now, almost 50 years later, there’s new research that may point to something different.
Research on Hyponatraemia
The research was done by a group of kidney specialists from Spain for the Clinical Kidney Journal. While there were numerous speculations on Lee’s death originally, now these researchers are thinking he may have had hyponatraemia. It’s a condition that results in low sodium concentration in a person’s blood. Complications can come with “chronic fluid intake,” use of marijuana, alcohol consumption, prescription drug intake, and history of organ injuries.
Basically, the researchers believe Bruce Lee died from a form of kidney dysfunction. They believe his body was unable to excrete enough fluid to maintain homeostasis.
“This may lead to hyponatraemia, cerebral oedema, and death within hours if excess water intake is not matched by water excretion in urine, which is in line with the timeline of Lee’s demise.”
Apparently, hyponatraemia is “frequent”. And the researchers say it’s found in up to 40% of hospitalized patients. It can cause death even in young, healthy people. They point out the need for awareness that excessive water in take can in fact kill you.
Maybe I Should Cut Back?
It’s crazy to think that drinking water could be bad for you! I’ve heard of cutting back on caffeine and alcohol… but water? I will say though, I workout daily, and ask anyone at the office, I’m pretty sure my kidneys are working JUST fine!
