"People Obsessed with Drinking Water, Sipping Can Lead to This Addiction"

Drinking Too Much Water Increases Risk of Kidney Disease
Cases Hospitalized Due to 'Water Intoxication' Reported

Carrying water or beverages in a tumbler has become a daily routine both domestically and internationally. In the United States, the tumbler brand 'Stanley' gained popularity among young people, creating a craze.

However, the habit of habitually gulping water from a tumbler can be dangerous. While consistently drinking water is necessary for maintaining hydration, excessive water intake can pose serious health risks.

As tumblers have become an essential item in daily life, warnings are emerging about 'water addiction,' an excessive obsession with water intake.
[Image source=Stanley homepage]

Recently, CNN in the U.S. warned about the dangers of 'excessive water intake.' Dr. Kambiz Kalantari, a nephrologist at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, stated, "People are increasingly obsessed with drinking water," adding, "Normally, (hydration) does not burden the kidneys, but drinking 10 liters (ℓ) or 15ℓ of water a day overwhelms the kidneys."

The amount of water a person needs to drink daily is not absolutely fixed. It varies depending on the body, gender, and activity level. Citing data from the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, it is recommended that the average man drinks 3.7ℓ and the average woman drinks 2.7ℓ of water per day. This includes water obtained from other foods.

The problem arises when there is an 'obsession' with hydration. Dr. Kalantari emphasized, "Unless you are engaging in sports that cause severe fluid loss, there is no need to force yourself to drink more water or carry a water bottle around."

Drinking too much water causes excessive fluid excretion by the kidneys, which can lead to kidney disease. Dr. Kalantari warned, "There is a limit to the amount of fluid the kidneys can excrete," and advised, "For most people, drinking two 1.2ℓ water bottles over 10 hours is enough to avoid dehydration."

There have been cases where people nearly lost their lives due to 'water intoxication.' Actress Brooke Shields reportedly experienced a seizure last September due to excessive water intake and was diagnosed with hypoglycemia at the hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.