Too much water can make runners sick, even if they eat lots of salt
Case Study: Symptomatic Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia in an Endurance Runner Despite Sodium Supplementation.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
High sodium intake failed to prevent EAH in an experienced endurance runner.
There's a widespread belief among athletes and coaches that salt supplementation protects against hyponatremia. This case directly contradicts that assumption, showing that overhydration can overwhelm even extreme sodium intake.
Practical Takeaways
If you're doing a long endurance event, focus on drinking to thirst—not a fixed schedule—and avoid excessive water intake even if taking salt supplements.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
High sodium intake failed to prevent EAH in an experienced endurance runner.
There's a widespread belief among athletes and coaches that salt supplementation protects against hyponatremia. This case directly contradicts that assumption, showing that overhydration can overwhelm even extreme sodium intake.
Practical Takeaways
If you're doing a long endurance event, focus on drinking to thirst—not a fixed schedule—and avoid excessive water intake even if taking salt supplements.
Publication
Journal
International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism
Year
2015
Authors
M. Hoffman, Thomas M. Myers
Related Content
Claims (4)
Most athletes don’t need to take extra sodium every day — there’s no strong proof it helps with performance or health, and supplement makers often make claims that aren’t backed by science.
Even if endurance runners take a lot of salt pills during long races, drinking too much water — like 10 liters — can still give them a dangerous condition called low blood sodium. Salt alone won’t protect you if you’re chugging way too much water.
Even if endurance runners take in a lot of salt, they can still develop low blood sodium if they drink too much water — it’s the overdrinking, not the salt intake, that’s the main problem.
If a runner gets low on salt during a long race, drinking a strong saltwater mix might help boost their sodium levels quickly before they get to a hospital.