Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and water can affect your body in harmful ways. The Mayo Clinic states that some symptoms of alcoholism include the inability to limit the number of drinks you consume, irritability if alcohol is not available and drinking alone. Water intoxication has made headlines in the past. People chug water to win prizes in a water drinking contest. Sometimes, marathon runners drink too much water during a hot day. Excessive alcohol and water consumption can lead to various and potential-life threatening complications.
Alcohol Poisoning
Binge drinking alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning. According to the Hall Health Primary Care Center of the University of Washington, alcohol poisoning occurs when you consume more alcohol than your body can absorb and metabolize (process). Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include unconsciousness, cold and clammy skin, slowed breathing and vomiting while unconscious. Call 911 or go to your local emergency room in the event of an alcohol poisoning.
Heart, Stomach and Liver Problems
Excessive alcohol can also cause cardiomyopathy (a condition where your heart muscles are damaged) and hypertension (high blood pressure). The Mayo Clinic states that both these conditions predispose you to a stroke or heart attack. Too much alcohol can also lead to alcoholic hepatitis (a condition where your liver is inflamed). Symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis include yellowing of your skin, nausea, vomiting and stomach pains. Exorbitant amounts of alcohol can also irritate your stomach lining in a condition called gastritis. Some gastritis symptoms include stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Thiamine and folic acid deficiency are other consequences of too much alcohol because alcohol prevents your body from successfully absorbing these nutrients.
Other Alcohol Complications
The Mayo Clinic states that extreme amounts of alcohol can damage your pancreas and make digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates difficult. Alcohol disrupts the glucose (sugar) release from your liver and can result in hypoglycemia (a condition characterized by shakiness and cold sweats). Bone loss, trouble thinking, erectile dysfunction, irregular periods and an increased risk of mouth, throat, liver and rectal cancer are some other side effects of drinking dizzying amounts of alcohol.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Drinking limitless amounts of water can lead to a scary condition known as water intoxication. When you drink too much water, the electrolyte levels (natural minerals in your body such as sodium and potassium) are diluted and unbalanced and can result in such life-threatening symptoms as headache, convulsions, confusion and even coma.
