Viral Challenge: Woman Hospitalized for Water

A woman from Canada was hospitalized after participating in a viral “75 Hard” social media challenge, which required her to drink a gallon (approximately four litres) of water daily for 75 days. Michelle Fairburn, a mother and real estate agent from Toronto, shared her experience on TikTok, explaining how excessive water intake made her feel unwell and led her to suspect “water poisoning.”

Water poisoning occurs when a person consumes an excessive amount of water, and in extreme cases, it can be fatal. On the 12th day of the challenge, Fairburn expressed feeling unwell, experiencing nausea, weakness, and constant trips to the toilet throughout the night. Concerned about her condition, she sought medical advice and was diagnosed with severe sodium deficiency.

In a follow-up video, Fairburn shared that her doctor had advised her to go to the hospital due to the seriousness of her sodium deficiency. Sodium deficiency can have life-threatening consequences. At the hospital, they monitored her condition and gradually increased her sodium levels.

Despite her health scare, Fairburn mentioned that she would continue with her workouts but now follow medical advice to limit her water intake to less than half a litre per day.

The “75 Hard” challenge has gained popularity on social media, but Fairburn’s experience serves as a warning about the potential dangers of excessive water consumption. Drinking an appropriate amount of water is essential for health, but it’s crucial to avoid overhydration, which can lead to severe imbalances in the body.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Money Control