water - hydration vs. loss of electrolytes

[Guest guest]

For the most part, I'm all about us getting the water we need, but how

does one know that one isn't getting *too much* water, that it isn't

flushing the electrolytes out of the body? Is there a way to tell? Is

there something that we can put in our water filter holder that can

restore any lost electrolytes?

 

Mindy, who has a gallon-sized filter tank...

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/12/01 2:07:20 PM Pacific Standard Time,

mindy writes:

 

> For the most part, I'm all about us getting the water we need, but how

> does one know that one isn't getting *too much* water, that it isn't

> flushing the electrolytes out of the body?

 

Electrolyte replacement must be matched with sweat loss. Your replacement

needs will vary from the next persons whose sweat rate is dependent on

several factors, some of which include; climatic conditions, intensity of

exercise, and thus forth. Therefore, precise determinations of requirements

at various work levels and with different levels of loss of sodium (and

chloride) is not feasible for me to access; especially when my access is

limited.

 

Sodium is the major mineral (electrolyte) in the extracellular region.

Sodium's major role is to maintain normal hydration (water content) in the

body. Sodium, of course also is very important to the contraction of muscles

and generation of nerve impulses.

 

From what I understand if the sodium balance is off-struck from too much

water, symptoms of swelling can appear and be seen in the hands, ankles and

feet. Extreme dizziness, disorientation, headaches, nausea, lethargy, to

name a few. In severe cases it is fatal.

 

I personally don't believe this is something to be weary of unless you

ascribe to a condition that places you in this risk group (i.e., athlete,

works in excess heat, humidity, etc). Cases such as the described do prevail

in athletic competitions and the like, but this is not to say the

non-athletic individual is immune.

 

Hope this helped?

 

Kandi