The development of EAH is often misunderstood by athletes as relating to a loss of or an inadequate intake of salt.In reality, the development of EAH has much more to do with water than it does with salt. In reality, the development of EAH has much more to do with water than it does with salt. This has led to the all-to-frequent specter of triathletes trying to ingest significant percentages of their body weight of salt in various formulations. The development of EAH is often misunderstood by athletes as relating to a loss of or an inadequate intake of salt. In 2003, two runners died during a marathon from EAH, and it was that moment that fully exposed the significance of this issue to sports medicine providers and researchers as well as to the lay public. While this condition likely existed for some time, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that it really blossomed in the consciousness of endurance athletes. RELATED: Ask Stacy: Why is Hydration So Important for Triathletes? Understanding exercise-associated hyponatremiaĮAH is, for the most part, asymptomatic. While athletes were no longer completing events in as dehydrated a state as they once were, the intake of large quantities of fluids in the absence of electrolytes-particularly sodium-was leading to a different, potentially more dangerous problem: exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH). For the most part, those fluids consisted of water or other dilute liquids. This often led to significant dehydration and hypernatremia (an excessive loss of total body water in comparison to sodium loss).īy the late 1970s and early ‘80s, our understanding of hydration began to improve, and the importance of taking on fluids throughout an event began to take hold. When participating in marathons (the most common type of long-distance activity of the time) participants tended to have a laissez-faire attitude towards taking on fluids and did so guided by thirst. In the early days of endurance sport, athletes’ understanding of their own needs with respect to hydration and electrolytes was not what it is today. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
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