Water intoxication occurs when the amount of water consumed exceeds the kidneys' ability to excrete it. The kidneys can typically process about 0.8 to 1.0 liters of water per hour. Consuming water at a faster rate can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to a dilution of sodium in the bloodstream. This dilution disrupts the balance of electrolytes and can cause cells to swell, including those in the brain, leading to dangerous consequences.
