And here’s the kicker: overhydration headaches are actually hangover headaches in disguise. Remember that time you drank too much tequila and woke up regretting all your life choices? That hangover wasn’t just from the alcohol. It was partially from your body flushing out all your good electrolytes. Water intoxication gives you a very similar pain, except you’re stone-cold sober and holding a smug Nalgene bottle instead of a bottle of Fireball.
Drinking too much water - the seven signs your water intake is too high
But wait, there’s more. You could also get a headache from drinking too fast. Even if you don’t hit full hyponatremia, slamming water like a competitive eater can trigger a reflex in your stomach that sends “uh-oh, we’re drowning” signals to your brain. Your blood pressure might drop briefly, and your blood vessels in your head go, “Hey, let’s all tighten up at once!” Cue a tension headache that feels like a tiny Viking is pressing a helmet onto your skull.
How to Not Be a Water Goon
So, how do you avoid this watery doom while still being hydrated? First, stop chugging. Sip. You are a civilized mammal, not a fire hose. Second, listen to your thirst. Thirst is not a lie invented by Big Soda. It’s an ancient, reliable system that’s kept humans alive for millions of years. If you are not thirsty, you don’t need to force-feed yourself spring water like it’s a Thanksgiving turkey.
Third, and this is the pro tip: eat something salty. If you’ve been sweating or you just drank a liter of water while binge-watching TV, have a handful of pretzels or a bowl of soup. The sodium will balance out your blood, and your brain cells will ungrow their tiny fists. A little salt is the bouncer that keeps water out of the VIP section of your skull.
