Mad Medicine

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Stark Raving Thirsty

Debunked: Drinking large quantities of deionized/distilled water over a long period of time can screw you up due to ion imbalances.

The difference in ion amounts between tap water and ordinary water is not enough to affect the body; the normal contribution of tap water to mineral and ions is small and will be made up by food. Rats have been fed for long periods on distilled water with no problems. References: Brain Res 1998 Feb 16;784(1-2):284-298, Behav Neural Biol 1994 May;61(3):233-241, J Dent Res 1989 Nov;68(11):1525-1528, Alcohol 1986 Jan;3(1):33-37.

Documented: Water can be toxic.

Drinking too much water can lead to ionic imbalances, cerebral edema, and, in extreme cases, death. 'Psychogenic polydipsia' is not uncommon in psychiatric disorders. The hyponatremia (low blood sodium level) caused by water intoxication can be aggravated by some psychiatric medications in susceptible people. In normal people, the condition is almost unheard of. References: Intensive Care Med. 1998 Jun;24(6):644-5; J Forensic Sci. 1980 Apr;25(2):332-5; JAMA. 1978 Dec 1;240(23):2557-9.