We are often told to drink plenty of plain water in order to stay healthy. Our body is comprised of approximately seventy percent of water. Water helps to hydrate our body. It helps to keep our body and systems function optimally. However, most of us may not know that drinking too much water will lead to over-hydration or water intoxication.

Excessive intake of plain water will dilute the normal sodium level in the body which results to hyponatremia. When a dehydrated person drinks too much of plain water, it causes electrolyte imbalance. This condition is commonly seen in infants under six months, athletes and those with kidney failure.

When little infants are drinking more than necessary, their kidneys may not be able to excrete fluids as quickly as older infants do. Excessive water will retain in their bodies and leads to water intoxication eventually. Parents must keep an eye on their babies when they take up infant swimming lessons, as overhydration may easily occur when their babies happen to drink too much of water during the lessons.

Sodium is lost along with sweat. It loses most during strenuous exercise or participation in a sporting event. Athletes who drink too much of plain water without the accompanying sodium and electrolyte during or after a sporting event, are at high risk of experiencing hyponatremia. Sodium containing sports drink are recommended to replace the lost fluids in the body.

People who have a history of kidney problems must watch the amount of their water intake. When a kidney is not functioning well, it is not able to get rid of excess water in the body. It is also having difficulty to keep the body's fluid level balanced. Fluid overload may cause high blood pressure which may contribute to heart disease.

Water intoxication or hyponatremia can cause digestive problems, behavioral changes, brain damage, seizures or coma. In serious cases, it may cause death. Although it is an "uncommon" condition to most of us, it must not be taken lightly.