Hyperhydration—Can Too Much Fluid Hurt?

摘要

Bottled water is a big competitive business, with retail sales reaching nearly $9 billion in 2004. It has emerged as the No. 2 beverage in the United States, behind soft drinks. Consumers and athletes pay a premium for splashes and fortified and flavored waters in their quest to remain hydrated as part of the apparent health and wellness movement. The Food and Drug Administration regulates the quality of bottled water, and the Environmental Protection Agency regulates the quality of tap water from municipal sources. With regard to nutrition—and in the context of the enormous advertising and consumer push for "pure" water at the desk, in the gym, or on the track—symptoms of hyperhydration (too much water) and hyponatremia (not enough sodium) are on the rise. The potential health risks of drinking too much fluid with insufficient sodium before and during exercise are being reassessed by leading exercise physiologists, the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers Association, team physicians, and sports nutritionists.