Tag: Marathon runners

While dehydration is a well-known concern, medical reports from the Cleveland Clinic confirm that overhydration, also known as water intoxication, can occur and lead to a dangerous dilution of sodium in the blood. Understanding what happens to your body if you're too hydrated is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance of fluids and electrolytes.

According to a study published on the National Institutes of Health, hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder seen in hospitalized patients. It is a dangerous condition that can occur when drinking excessive amounts of water dilutes the body's sodium to dangerously low levels.

According to a study published in the *Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports*, marathon runners who consumed tart cherry juice experienced less inflammation and better muscle recovery. This finding highlights that the right fruit juice can be a powerful tool for marathon runners seeking to optimize their nutrition.

While most people are concerned with dehydration, overhydration is a genuine and potentially fatal medical condition. It occurs when an excess of water in the body dilutes critical electrolytes, especially sodium, disrupting normal cellular function and causing swelling.

According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking excessive amounts of water can cause low blood sodium, a condition known as hyponatremia, by overwhelming the kidneys' ability to excrete water. This occurs when a person consumes more water than their kidneys can process in a short period, diluting the sodium content in the blood and leading to potentially severe health complications.

While many associate high-caffeine beverages with a quick rush, research confirms that endurance athletes use a specific category of energy drinks strategically to sustain performance. The truth is more nuanced than a simple yes or no when you ask, 'Do marathon runners drink energy drinks?'

While the dangers of dehydration are widely known, less understood is the fact that overhydration is also possible, with studies showing that excessive fluid intake can cause a dangerous dilutional effect on the blood. This raises the critical question: **Can drinking too much water cause hemodilution?**

For endurance athletes, carbohydrates are the primary and most efficient fuel source, a fact that creates a critical question: **is fasting good for marathon runners?** A growing body of evidence suggests that for those prioritizing performance, fasting may hinder athletic goals and compromise recovery.