Drinking Too Much Water Can Be Bad

Hyponatremia is the Opposite of Dehydration in Hot Weather

Nov 15, 2009 Thomas Wyatt

Water is certainly the most essential companion of people doing strenuous activities in hot weather. However, too much water can cause problems.

Just as the body needs to be hydrated, it needs to retain sodium in the blood. Drinking too much water can be dangerous when exerting a lot of energy, because it can cause an electrolyte disturbance that results in lower sodium in the plasma, which can lead to immediate and long term health conditions and even death.

Hyponatremia, the Opposite of Dehydration

Sodium (found in salt and other foods and drinks) is an essential element needed by the body. During periods of strenuous activity, particularly when accompanied by heavy sweating, the body loses sodium. Drinking copious amounts of water at the same time will hydrate the body, but the water may also serve as a toxic addition to the blood, lowering (diluting) already low sodium levels in plasma. Although an extended period of strenuous activity (several hours) is usually required for someone to develop hyponatremic conditions, it should not be overlooked as a danger. In short, drinking too much water and sweating too much with no sodium replacement is the cause of hyponatremia.

Symptoms of Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is the opposite of dehydration, but it may cause similar symptoms. Intense nausea and vomiting will likely be the first serious signs of the condition. Headaches, high blood pressure, and any out-of-place feelings may also be experienced. When first noticed, hyponatremia may be treated before it causes serious problems, such as seizures, unconsciousness, falling into stupors or comas, and even death.

This electrolyte imbalance is usually the cause of marathon runners collapsing, as they have been over-hydrating. It should not be to hard to tell if too much water or not enough is the cause of symptoms. If a constant necessity to urinate, and upon urination, almost completely clear urine comes out, it is likely too much water causing the symptoms exhibited.

Preventions and Treatment of Hyponatremia

First, to prevent hyponatremia, replacement of any lost sodium is imperative. Drinking water should not be compromised, as hypernatremia (dehydration) may result from high sodium levels, because of insufficient water intake. The best thing to do in marathons or long hikes in hot weather (or any strenuous physical activity) is to balance water intake and sodium intake.

Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, as well as electrolyte powder packets for hikers, may be mixed with water help to restore sodium. Eating small, salty snacks such as crackers, peanuts, and pretzels may also prevent hyponatremia. When symptoms do occur, it may mean that not enough sodium has been taken in. Eat or drink something with sodium as soon as possible at this time.

Water is a good thing. People doing strenuous activities require the substance, but they also require sodium. Water intake and sodium intake must be balanced, as not enough water will result in hypernatremia (dehydration), and too much water and not enough sodium replacement can result in hyponatremia, a sort of water intoxication.

References

http://www.medicinenet.com/hyponatremia/article.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000394.htm

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3859

The copyright of the article Drinking Too Much Water Can Be Bad in Sports Medicine is owned by Thomas Wyatt. Permission to republish Drinking Too Much Water Can Be Bad in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Hyponatremia may Effect Marathon Runners

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