Binge Fest: Water Everywhere

December 2005

Reruns of Baywatch proved one thing: You can get too much of a good thing. The same is true of water. A number of endurance athletes are developing hyponatremia, or water intoxication. Hyponatremia is caused by a drop in the body's sodium level due to drinking excessive amounts of low-sodium fluids, like water, for long periods. Symptoms include lethargy, confusion and seizures, and the outcome can be as severe as death. Concern over this condition spurred USA Track & Field--the national governing body for track and field, long-distance running and racewalking--to change its hydration guidelines from "drink as much as possible" to "drink as much as needed to replace fluids lost through sweat." To stay hydrated without the risk: Let thirst be your guide; use pre- and post-exercise weighing (if you weigh more after working out than you did before, drink less water next time) to determine your needs; and adjust your hydration based on exercise intensity, duration and the weather conditions.