How to Prevent Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is a condition in which the electrolyte level necessary for keeping your organs "communicating" with one another becomes dangerously low. This is particularly true of sodium levels in the blood. It is not rare to see people who have had extended physical exertion over hours or even days become affected by hyponatremia. It is seen in marathon runners, mountain climbers, people fasting and women who have had extended labor before childbirth at home. You can prevent hyponatremia by taking a few simple precautions.

Things You'll Need

• Electrolyte containing drinks
• Salty snacks

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Instructions

• 1

  Begin your building up of electrolytes a week before you know you are going to be exerting yourself. If you are pregnant and know your due date, start doing this a week before your due date.

• 2

  Start your regimen by not drinking caffeinated beverages, soda or alcohol for the week leading up to the exertion whether it is a marathon or a fast day.

• 3

  Eat several light meals a day if you are pregnant or preparing for a fast. Drink at least five 8-oz. glasses of the electrolyte drink for the week leading up to the day of exertion. Limit plain water because that just flushes the electrolytes out of your system faster.

• 4

  Eat snacks that have higher levels of sodium such as pretzels, trail mix, peanuts and even potato chips. This will increase the sodium level and has the dual bonus of making you thirsty and want to drink more of the electrolyte drink.

• 5

  Take salty snacks with you the day of the marathon or the day before your due date and take cold electrolyte drinks along as well. If you are gearing for a fast, do this the day before the fast. These are not times to worry about calories. Hyponatremia can lead to disorientation, seizures, cramps, coma and, in severe cases, death.