Dying for Water: Are You Drinking Too Much Water?

Most experts encourage us to drink plenty of water. We've all heard the eight-glasses-per-day rule, and we've seen fitness enthusiasts who carry gallon jugs of water to the gym! Marathon runners and other endurance athletes are regularly reminded about the importance of hydration.

But recently, a new development is occurring among long distance athletes: They're dying from hyponatremia - or low sodium concentrations in the blood - as a result of drinking too much water. Essentially, the huge quantities of water that these athletes are drinking are diluting their blood to the point of dangerously low quantities of sodium.

Symptoms of hyponatremia include nausea, dizziness, vomiting and muscle cramps. If the condition worsens, the athlete may experience slurred speech, confusion and seizures. Comas and deaths have been the result of some hyponatremia cases.

Hyponatremia has become a popular topic among athletes and health-conscious folks. It's received so much attention, in fact, that many people are worried about their risk of developing the condition. Here's what you need to know about it:

You're probably safe. Hyponatremia is most likely to affect distance athletes - which mean marathoners, ultra-marathoners, triathletes and long-distance cyclists. You're likelihood of developing hyponatremia because of your fitness center's aerobics class is slim.

Know your body. We all need different amounts of water, based on how much we sweat and our own personal body composition. Weigh yourself before and after you exercise. If you've gained weight, than you've drank more water than you released through sweating. It's generally best if your weight after exercise (and drinking water) is close to the same as it was prior to exercise. Do this regularly to get a feel for how much water your body needs.

Eat salt. Going for a long distance run or bike ride? If you're worried about hyponatremia, try to consume plenty of salt. Choose energy gels (which often include sodium), sports drinks to replace lost electrolytes, and even salty foods like tortilla chips.

Get help. If, at any time during exercise, you experience any symptoms of hyponatremia, seek medical help immediately. If you're able to communicate with people, try and let them know that you've been drinking lots of liquids. In rare cases, medical personnel have simply assumed the ill athlete is dehydrated, not realizing the athlete actually has the exact opposite problem.

If you're an athlete - or just someone who drinks a lot of water - and you're concerned about hyponatremia, consult your doctor to learn more about the condition. Educate yourself about the causes and prevention techniques to avoid this potentially deadly illness.