Tag: Blood dilution

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hypoalbuminemia, or low albumin, is a common electrolyte imbalance found in hospitalized patients. This condition raises the question: can drinking too much water affect protein levels? In short, yes, excessive water intake can temporarily lower the concentration of proteins in your blood through a process called hemodilution, although this is rare in healthy individuals.

While dehydration is a well-known risk, a lesser-known but potentially fatal condition is water intoxication, or hyponatremia, which arises from excessive fluid intake. This condition occurs when too much water overwhelms the body's ability to regulate electrolyte balance, directly impacting red blood cells and other vital cells.

Iron deficiency affects billions worldwide, making proper mineral balance a common concern. A misconception exists that over-consuming water is a contributing factor, leading many to ask: Can drinking too much water lower iron levels?

According to a study published in *Critical Care*, rapid fluid administration consistently decreases hemoglobin concentration via a diluting effect. This phenomenon, known as hemodilution, is the primary reason why drinking too much water can cause low hemoglobin readings, though it doesn't represent a true deficiency.

While dehydration can artificially raise hemoglobin levels, excessive water intake, known as overhydration, can cause a dilutional effect on your blood, which makes hemoglobin appear lower on a blood test. This is because the volume of blood plasma increases, causing a disproportionate ratio of red blood cells to fluid.