A latest statement released this year by the International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference reveals new information on how much water is recommended during exercising.

Calling the previously recommended dose of water as very high, experts now have suggested that drinking too much water during exercising can be harmful and that only sufficient amounts to quench thirst should be consumed.

According to Consumer affairs, when a person drinks too much of water during exercising, it can cause exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH).

They explain that if the amount of water is higher than the amount body can expel through urine or sweating, then the body’s sodium levels begin to become diluted. Sodium levels in the body are very important as they help to regulate internal systems.

As per experts, when a person undergoes EAH, common symptoms that he/she goes through include headache, confusion, seizures, and vomiting. These symptoms come directly from brain swelling and the body’s inability to handle the changes.

So far no early signs of EAH are detected. The symptoms do not begin until the body is already experiencing EAH, and in severe cases, it can even cause death.

The Consensus Panel decided to reassess the causes after two high-school football players died of EAH in 2014.

Dr. Tamara Hew-Butler, author of the updated report, said, “Our major goal was to re-educate the public on the hazards of drinking beyond thirst during exercise. The safest individualized hydration strategy before, during and immediately following exercise is to drink palatable fluids when thirsty”.

The panel is encouraging all people who exercise, especially very active athletes, to listen to their body and for all medical professionals to treat each case individually as everybody’s sodium levels are different.