A new set of guidelines set fourth following a study on the consumption of water amongst individuals who work out extesnively, or are considered athletes is making waves in the health space. Previously, water was thought to be something that the body couldn’t have too much of, especially when it was working hard, or being worked out extensively, yet the findings of a recent study suggest that theory is entirely misguided.
The study and new set of guidelines attributed its findings to a condition known as exercise-associated hyponatremia. This condition indicates a situation where the body essentially receives too much water, too quickly, and the body simply cannot process the water in a period that is safe for the body. This condition is due to a lack of potassium, and sodium in the body, which comes from that flooding of water in the system.
This though isn’t a condition that is new or something that hasn’t been known. It is well known in the medical community, and something that has been taken seriously for years. This is mostly due to the fact that in the U.S. throughout the last several years, various forms of drinking challenges have made rounds across the Internet – birthing ideas like this, which ultimately cause serious health consequences.
After the team linked at least 14 deaths to excessive consumption of water, in athletes, which played football, ran marathons, and various other extensively vigorous exercises – they pointed out that new classifications and new guidelines would be necessary. The team pointed out that, “Using the innate thirst mechanism to guide fluid consumption is a strategy that should limit drinking in excess and developing hyponatremia while providing sufficient fluid to prevent excessive dehydration.”
They pointed out also that the simple logic reminds us to only drink when we’re thirsty, no matter what type of athlete we may be. They also pointed out that muscle cramps and heatstroke, which are commonly, and incorrectly associated with drinking too little water – are the result of two entirely different factors than water consumption.
https://thehoopsnews.com/2015/07/01/6391/male-and-female-feel-pain-hypersensitivity-through-different-immune-cells/
This also goes against the logic of “pushing fluids” which is a common practice with athletes, especially those at the highest levels. This research is further proof that additional research should always be happening, in order to better understand the human body. At this point, one thing that is clear, is the amount of water the human body needs is not what some trainers and athletes have suggested to this point. This gives greater weight to the mindset that more can be learned, even when we think the answers are already had in a particular space.
