Why Drinking Water When You’re Not Thirsty Can Kill You

This article originally appeared and was published on AOL.com

Water: We’ve always been told to drink more of it. Doctors recommend hydrating yourself with at least 8 cups a day…or that’s what they say.

But some experts are saying that too much water, especially when you’re not thirsty, can put you at risk for water intoxication, and maybe even kill you. Hyponatremia occurs when you consume too much water, dropping your blood’s sodium far too low.



Lethargy, convulsions, coma and death are all repercussions of Hyponatremia. Instead, they are warning patients to drink “according to thirst”, and not on a schedule.

More from AOL.com:

17 unexpected signs you have a high IQ — even if doesn’t feel like it
Obama accuses media of ‘manufacturing outrage’ in lengthy rant on Iran deal
Wendy’s to ban chickens with human antibiotics by 2017

NOW WATCH: What Do Cockroaches Do And How To Get Rid Of Them | Everything Explained