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Question:

Dear SIRC Librarian:

I am an amateur triathlete training for an Ironman. Originally I was concerned with dehydration when I was training but recently became more aware of the serious effects of over hydration. Do you have any information on this topic? Are there signs and symptoms of over hydration that I should be aware of?

Thanks,

Emily,
Toronto, ON

Answer:

Dear Emily:

Thank you for your question regarding over-hydration. Over-hydration is also known as hyponatremia (water intoxication) and appears to affect endurance athletes more than other sport activities.

According to recent research published in the Current Sports Medicine Reports symptoms and risk factors include:

Symptoms: Confusion Disorientation Mental Obtundation Headache Nausea Vomiting Aphasia Incoordination Muscle weakness

Risk Factors: Individual Factors Overdrinking Exercise duration (>4 h continuous physical activity) Low body weight (<20 BMl) Women (small stature) Preexercise overhydration Excessive Na+ losses (sweat) Insufficient Na+ in food consumption Fluid retention

 

The complete article information can be found at:

Carter III, R. (2008, July 2). Exertional Heat Illness and Hyponatremia: An Epidemiological Prospective. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 7(4), S20-S27.

Montain, S. (2008, July 2). Strategies to Prevent Hyponatremia During Prolonged Exercise. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 7(4), S28-S35.

Also, there are also a variety of articles that can provide you with additional information on this topic including tips for preventing hyponatremia. Here are a few that are available in the SIRC Collection:

King, Karl (2008). Dehydration and Hyponatremia – A Case Study. UltraRunning (Weymouth, Mass.), 27(9), 20-21. [SIRC ID# S-1074018]

Kovacs, Mark and Yorio, Michael (2008). The kids are on fire! ADDvantage (Houston, Tex.), 32(7), 19-20;25. [SIRC ID# S-1081861]

Lanou, Amy Joy (2008). Vigilance is the Key to Maintaining Water Balance During Pre-Season Training. SportEx dynamics (Wimbledon, England), (16), 12-14.[SIRC ID# S-1077747]

Mueller, K. (2008, October). Defeating the Heat on Race Day. Competitor SoCal, 22(10), 104-104.

Top Ten: hydration and nutrition tips for Endurance Athletes. (2008, Spring2008). Triathlon Life.

If you have any additional questions or concerns please let me know.

Sincerely,

Your SIRC Librarian

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