Is There Such a Thing as Drinking Too Much Water?

When you are working out, have you ever thought about the fact that you might be drinking too much?

We were just getting used to the fact that we need to hydrate during sportive or strenuous activities … But guess what? Recent research reveals that 50% of runners drink too much of the “liquid gold” - especially during competitions -.

At first instance you might think that drinking a lot of water cannot, but be good … However, what most of us do not know, is that drinking too much water can lead to a shortage of sodium in our blood; a serious condition known as: hyponatremia. Also the common belief that you should increase your salt intake during work-outs appears to be false!

How Much is Too Much?

Researchers believe that the key to adequate hydration is plain and simple: “only drink when you are thirsty”. Although this seems to be logical, this claim is the complete opposite of what most of us have been thought throughout the last decades. Traditionally it is assumed that it takes a while before your body functions take advantage of your fluid intake. The above claim therefor goes against what more traditional scientists believe. They are convinced that when you are thirsty, it already is too late to properly hydrate your body.

Is There a “Golden Mean”?

Make sure that you are properly hydrated before a run or a vigorous exercise program. During the activity, only hydrate yourself at regular intervals. Drinking too little can be dangerous, so do not completely skip on the water!

Although recent research shows that drinking too much water during arduous trainings can lead to hyponatremia, not properly hydrating your body during trainings can be outright dangerous!