SORABYCO | Life in Japan

“Remember to drink water regularly.” During summer in Japan, you hear this advice almost everywhere. It appears on television, at train stations, on weather apps, and in heatstroke warnings. And for good reason. Japan’s summer heat and humidity can be exhausting, especially for foreign residents who are not used to the climate. Even a short walk to the station can leave you sweating much more than expected. But while dehydration and heatstroke receive a lot of attention, there is another question that sometimes comes up: Can you actually drink too much water? Yes, it is possible, although water intoxication is uncommon during normal daily life. Drinking an excessive amount of water can contribute to dangerously low sodium levels in the blood, a condition called hyponatremia. In severe cases, it can become a medical emergency. I became curious about this because of my husband. He sometimes goes for hours without drinking much. Then, once he realizes he is thirsty, he can finish an entir...