Only in recent years has this condition been brought to the forefront of the public's attention (mostly due to people dying from challenges, where the "contestant" drinks excessive water). This is a dangerous condition that affects endurance athletes, which can be deadly, but it is preventable.
We're always hearing the advice "Drink more water!" or "Stay hydrated!" from those on the sidelines. While it's true that dehydration is also dangerous, it is possible to drink too much water, which dilutes your electrolyte level - hence the name: hyponatremia, which means lack of sodium. In my research, I've discovered that this is a concerning condition with endurance athletes, especially those who exert for more than 3 or 4 hours. This could also affect those who have physically demanding occupations or any activity where a person is sweating a lot.
How is it prevented? When I was in military training, when a person was showing signs of dehydration, one of the first things the instructors wanted us to do was to eat MREs. This seems kind of bizarre. Wouldn't they just sit us down and have us drink more water? There are valid reasons though. MREs are loaded with salt... and since it's food, nutrients. You are then naturally going to want to drink water as well. If you're dehydrated, don't just drink water, eat food as well! However, this poses a problem for endurance athletes. When you eat a meal in the middle of training or competing, most people are going to get sick. At the very least, you'll have debilitating cramps. The best alternative is to consume an electrolyte drink, like Gatorade. Now, some people might disagree or have alternatives (mainly because such sports drinks have sugar in them) but it's important is that you replenish your electrolytes at that point than to worry about a few carbs that you're going to burn off anyway.
While it's recommended by experts that in place of straight water, that an electrolyte drink be used, it doesn't hurt to drink moderate amounts of water during endurance events. I always run with a hydration pack, but I NEVER overdo it. Sips, rather than gulps. I also bring some salty snacks with me like a bag of trail mix and some beef jerky. In some of my longer runs (especially when it was unexpectedly hotter out), I have stopped at a convenience store and bought a jug of gatorade. During the warmer months, I always keep a jug in the fridge at home because I exert a lot. I'm not trying to sell anything, just that this is my personal preference. I mean, you could grab your baby's Pedialyte and get your electrolytes that way. The important thing is that you replenish not only your fluids, but your electrolytes and nutrients as well.
