According to a new statement released by this year’s International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference reveals new, and different, information regarding how much water is recommended during exercising.
Researchers now say that the previous recommended dose of water is too much. They now suggest that drinking too much water during exercising can be harmful and that only sufficient amounts to quench thirst should be consumed, according to Consumer Affairs.
When a person drinks too much water during exercising, exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) can occur. Researchers explain that if the amount of intake of water is higher than the body can expel through urine or sweating, then the body’s sodium levels begin to become diluted. Sodium levels in the body are important as they as they help to regulate internal systems.
When the body undergoes EAH, common symptoms are headache, confusion, seizures, and vomiting. These symptoms come directly from brain swelling and the body’s inability to handle the changes.
Unfortunately, there are no early signs of EAH. The symptoms do not begin until the body is already experiencing EAH, and in severe cases, it can cause death. After two high-school football players died of EAH in 2014, the Consensus Panel decided to reconvene at that time to reassess the causes.
“Our major goal was to re-educate the public on the hazards of drinking beyond thirst during exercise,” said Dr. Tamara Hew-Butler, author of the updated report. He added: “The safest individualized hydration strategy before, during and immediately following exercise is to drink palatable fluids when thirsty.”
Although proper hydration cannot completely rid the body of possible EAH, it can help to agitate the body towards it. The panel is encouraging all people who exercise, especially very active athletes, to listen to their body and for all medical professionals to treat each case individually as everybody’s sodium levels are different.
“Every single EAH death is tragic and preventable, if we just listen to our bodies and let go of the pervasive advice that if a little is good, than more must be better,” said Dr. Hew-Butler.
