Given all this pro-hydration advice, it’s no wonder some people feel pressured to force themselves to drink eight glasses of water each day—even if, in truth, it’s not really in their best interest. Don’t get us wrong: water is absolutely an essential part of our overall health, and becoming dehydrated can lead to all sorts of problems. But where hydration is concerned, it is possible to drink too much water. Here’s what to know about drinking far more water than you need to, or overhydration, including the signs, risks, and treatments. According to Natasha Trentacosta, MD, a sports medicine specialist and orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, overhydration is often seen in athletes if they drink an excessive amount of water. Doing so can dilute the sodium in their bodies, resulting in a condition called hyponatremia. Additionally, people with certain kidney diseases can become overhydrated without drinking large amounts of water, because they are unable to regulate the excretion of the water in their urine, Dr. Trentacosta explains. “Normally, drinking large amounts of water—even up to 6 gallons—can be managed by the natural ability of our bodies to regulate water excretion through the combined efforts of the pituitary gland, kidneys, liver, and heart,” she says. “If any of these organs are dysfunctional, that upper limit can be lowered.” RELATED: Surprise, Watermelon Is So Much Healthier Than You Thought But what exactly is happening to the body when it gets too much water? “The signs and symptoms of overhydration are the result of our electrolytes being diluted,” Dr. Trentacosta explains. “Hyponatremia may present with lethargy or altered mental status as the brain is sensitive to sodium levels in the blood.” If you’re dealing with severe hyponatremia, a member of your healthcare team may put you on a sodium solution IV to gradually replace the sodium in your blood, according to the National Kidney Foundation. But because it’s also important to make sure your sodium levels don’t increase too much or too quickly, you’ll likely have to stay in the hospital so your condition can be monitored. Your healthcare provider may also give you medication to help manage symptoms like headaches, nausea, and seizures. RELATED: 6 Delicious Infused Water Recipes That Make It So Easy to Stay Hydrated