As opposed to popular belief and advertisements by sports drink manufacturers, drinking extra water or fluids can cause more harm than good for the body. A fatal syndrome, known as the exercise-associated hyponatremia, could result from drinking too much water by athletes. In this situation, the excess water dilutes the sodium content of blood to abnormally low levels causing collapse of the internal systems and leading to nausea, headaches, lack of energy, muscle weakness, or cramps. In severe situations, the condition can also lead to seizures and coma.

In a recent study of athletes and runners, researchers at the Loyola University Health System have deduced that they are consuming far more liquids than is required, causing harm and dilution of sodium in their body. Dr. James Winger, sports medicine physician at Loyola, noted that drinking is to be restricted only when thirsty. This will prevent excess consumption of fluids than is required. Athletes and others involved in endurance exercise seem to think that sports drinks prevent dehydration and supply electrolytes to check fall in sodium levels. However, the truth is that hyponatremia, more than dehydration, is a greater cause for worry for training athletes. The research aimed to investigate the cause of a few documented and suspected runners’ deaths from hyponatremia in the recent years, supports the claims of the International Marathon Medical Directors Association, to drink only when feeling thirsty.

Via: Loyolamedicine.org

To counter dehydration in active children, milk rather than a sports drink or water has been found by researchers to be more effective. Researchers at McMaster University in the Child Health and Exercise Medicine Program have found that children often get dehydrated during vigorous activities. In such situations, milk could help best in replacing the sodium lost in sweat and helps the body retain fluid better than any other liquids. Milk provides protein needed by children for muscle development and growth which is not found in the other drinks and is a complete food for body cells and brings immediate relief. Being packed with adequate quantity of also carbohydrates, calcium and electrolytes, as noted by the research head, Brian Timmons, milk is by far the best option for dehydrated children.

Via: MCMaster.ca

In a recent study, scientists from Howard Florey Institute, Melbourne, have found that the elderly people are more at risk of dehydration because their brain often underestimates the quantity of water they need to drink to keep themselves well hydrated. Researchers led by Dr. Michael Farrell have identified the mid-cingulate cortex as the region in the brain that predicts the quantity of water a person needs. In elderly people, this region was noticed to be malfunctioning. In a study involving both younger and older people, it was seen that older people drank very less amount of water causing concern for their well-being. The study revealed that by drinking small gulps of water, the idea of thirst in the brain got turned off in relatively less time for the older population, hence they did not feel the urge to drink the necessary quantities any more. This study, conducted in collaboration between the Florey and the Research Imaging Center at the University of Texas, concluded that with issues of global warming at large the older people should drink enough water, especially during hot weather to keep off from dehydration, heat strokes and other related illness.

Via: Florey.edu