Ironman Risk: Drinking Too Much Water

Swimming 2.4 miles isn’t the only water-related danger for ironman competitors. A new study by researchers at the University of Cologne finds that ten percent of ironman competitors drank so much water during the event that their sodium fell to dangerously low levels. CBS News reports on the study, which looked at nearly 1,100 people who competed in the annual Ironman European Championships between 2005 and 2013. The potentially life-threatening condition, known as hyponatremia, results when a dramatic dilution of sodium (salt) causes an athlete’s internal water regulation to go out of whack. Cellular swelling ensues, often accompanied by nausea, headache, a drop in blood pressure and energy, weakness, and even seizures, according to the National Kidney Foundation. The researchers found that 115 athletes had developed hyponatremia, with 17 serious cases and three critical cases. They also found the highest risk for hyponatremia was among female athletes and/or those who took comparatively longer to finish the competition. What to do? The researchers suggest that athletes rigorously plan out their nutritional needs in advance, making sure to consume beverages that contain increased sodium levels.