I've recently heard some different things about drinking water and
did some research to determine if they were fact or fiction. Here's
an interesting article from WebMD about what's called water
intoxication. ---------------------------------- Can I Overdose on
Water? By Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD
 
Question: I like to drink about a dozen 8-ounce glasses of water
every day. But I heard recently that a few people have died from
drinking too much water. Could I be hurting myself? Answer:

Oct. 23, 2000 -- No. And you are unlikely to ever meet someone who
has overdosed on water.

You would need to chug down about three quarts of water (96 oz.) or
more all at once to come down with a case of true water intoxication.
It does happen, but so rarely that I couldn't find statistics on the
number of cases. These people become drowsy, lightheaded, and weak.
They have trouble coordinating bodily movements and thinking
straight, looking and feeling as if they just stumbled out of the
local bar. But the water-intoxicated can't just go home and sleep
it off. They must get treatment or risk going into convulsions,
a coma, or even death.

What most Americans actually need to worry about is getting the
eight glasses of water nutrition experts recommend (that's eight
8-ounce glasses). They suggest even more for athletes or people
living in hot climates. While it may seem like a lot, it really
isn't when you recognize that water accounts for up to 80% of your
body weight and plays an integral role throughout in the smooth
functioning of your body's vital systems.

It's no wonder, then, that falling short of the daily recommendation
may make you ill. At first, you might feel thirsty and tired. Left
unchecked, dehydration will progress with a loss of appetite, nausea,
tingling in the arms and feet, labored breathing, dizziness, and
possibly mental confusion.

You can prevent these symptoms from appearing by making sure you get
your daily dose quota of water. Remember, it's a nutrient, too --
more important than any vitamin or mineral. Besides, what could be
more refreshing than a cool glass of water? Include it during lunch,
a mid-morning break, and even happy hour. Here's to good drinking.