Does drinking more than 4 litres of water a day cause harm to the kidneys?

Drinking excessive amounts of water, such as more than 4 liters a day, can potentially lead to harm to the kidneys, although it's not a common occurrence for most people. Here's a detailed explanation: 1. Water Intoxication: Drinking an excessive amount of water can lead to a condition known as water intoxication or hyponatremia. This occurs when the balance of electrolytes in your body, particularly sodium, is diluted by the large volume of water consumed. Sodium is crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. When diluted excessively, it can lead to swelling of cells, including brain cells, which can cause serious health issues. 2. Impact on Kidneys: While the kidneys are efficient at filtering excess water from the bloodstream, consuming extremely large amounts of water can put strain on them. The kidneys may struggle to excrete the excess water fast enough, leading to an imbalance in electrolytes and potential strain on the kidneys. 3. Risk Factors: Certain ind...