Hydration Danger Zones

OVERHYDRATION It's hard to imagine that water could be bad for you, but just like everything else, too much water at the wrong place or the wrong time can actually be harmful. Moderation is the key, even when we're talking about water. When considering your water intake, you must also consider overhydration.. Hydration is a delicate balance between fluids and minerals. The concentration of sodium and other minerals ( collectively know as electrolytes ) in the bloodstream must fall within a very narrow range, or it can affect muscle contractions. That includes the most important muscle: your heart. When you take in too much water relative to the amount of electrolytes in your body, the result will eventually be a condition called hyperhydration or hyponatremia. The problem is that the blood has become too dilute, which is just as dangerous as dehydration. During dehydration there are high levels of electrolytes without enough fluids. Surprisingly, the symptoms of dehydration and hyperhydration are basically the same. Hyperhydration occurs more frequently than you might think, particularly in endurance events like marathons and triathlons. Not nearly as well documented is the possibility of bodybuilders hyperhydrating due to high intakes of purified water combined with very low food and sodium intakes during a cutting diet. While no occurrence of hyponatremia have been documented in strength trainers not participating in another sport, you should be aware that very hight intakes of purified water over and extended period of time may put you at risk. Whether you're training for and endurance or preparing for a strength-training competition, you can avoid hyponatremia with a few simple precautions. If your training for your first competition, don't cut all salt out of your diet ( though, as a general rule, most of us could et away with a lot less then we currently take in). If the day is cooler or less humid than you expected, compensate by drinking less than you'd planned during the event. So I will leave you with this last important Thought!!! When you are dieting for make weight prior to a competition, don't overdo the water. Drink water with minerals in place of purified water, or don't remover all the sodium from your diet. As long as you are eating, your risk of hyponatremia is remarkably diminished.