jnbacon , from what you say, you're neither an elite athlete nor fanatical. How long have you been commuting without problem? Why should this be a problem for you now that someone has published a paper on elite athlete performance?

Most likely the hook turn by an errant motorist tomorrow morning will represent more risk to you than this.

It's *highly* likely that if you consume a far-Western diet, the normal salt intake in your food will more than compensate for the losses you sustain in your normal riding activity. If not, the commercial or mix-your-own drinks with salt *and* potassium will compensate.

The case cited is extraordinary and appears fanatical. She'd likely been told by some incompetent about this hydration process, and become religious about it. Now ... how many ran in the marathon?... and how many lived to finish with normal rehydration?

The problem with a case like this is that it diverts attention away from proper rehydration. In most cases, that rehydration comprises the said commercial or self-mixed combination of carbohydrate *and* salts that help prevent occurrences such as this.

People who are intent on doing long distance riding usually are capable of researching the issues through several means, including the internet to reputable specialist sites such as ultracycling, or through consulting personally with experienced trainers, or by experimenting on their own.

Hissy-fit posters here don't serve the situation at all. As pointed out on another parellel thread, hyponetremia is well known, but the more serious problem is dehydration, and is the one that needs to be dealt with as a priority. This hyponetremia issue only serves to put doubt into people's minds about their fluid intake... to their detriment.

Awareness of *both* issues is important. But I'd go with rehydration first... from my personal experience.