Can Drinking Too Much Water Actually Dehydrate You?
It might sound strange, but science shows that drinking excessive amounts of plain water - especially during intense exercise - can actually disrupt your hydration. At SUPPLME, we focus on hydration strategies that keep athletes performing at their best.
How can too much water cause dehydration?
When you drink large volumes of water without replacing electrolytes, you dilute the sodium in your blood. This condition is known as exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) (PMID: 19675493). Sodium is essential for maintaining normal fluid balance and for normal muscle and nerve function. Without enough sodium, water moves into cells, which can impair performance and, in severe cases, be dangerous.
Why are electrolytes key to proper hydration?
Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium help your body retain the right amount of fluid, support normal muscle contractions, and keep the nervous system functioning correctly (PMID: 17172008). When you replace lost fluids and electrolytes together, you maintain balance and avoid over-dilution.
What happens to athletes who overhydrate with plain water?
Studies show that endurance athletes who consume large amounts of plain water during events are at higher risk of low blood sodium levels compared to those who drink electrolyte-containing fluids (PMID: 19164832). This can lead to fatigue, reduced muscle control, and slower recovery - all of which can impact performance.
How does SUPPLME help prevent this imbalance?
SUPPLME electrolytes are formulated with citrate salts of sodium, potassium, and magnesium for high absorption and gentle digestion. This means that when you hydrate, you’re not just adding water - you’re restoring the minerals your body loses through sweat, supporting normal fluid balance and performance.
What’s the right approach to hydration for athletes?
Instead of focusing only on how much water you drink, pay attention to what is in that water. The best strategy for performance is to replace fluids and electrolytes in proportion to your sweat loss. This keeps you hydrated without diluting your blood sodium.
