Originally Posted by Machka
Well, you have to keep in mind that there is much more danger of dehydration than there is of hyponatremia, especially among the new riders. Hyponatremia isn't really much of a factor until exercisers (cyclists, runners, etc.) are into the advanced levels of their sport (marathons, ultracycling, etc.) and when we get to that level, we should know enough to make ourselves aware of the articles and information out there about those things (like the articles I posted).
The average recreational cyclist or commuter isn't likely to encounter a problem with hyponatremia.
A quote from the NY Times article on this topic:
" 'Everyone becomes dehydrated when they race,' Dr. Noakes said. 'But I have not found one death
in an athlete from dehydration in a competitive race in the whole history of running. Not one. Not
even a case of illness.'
On the other hand, he said, he knows of people who have sickened and died from drinking too much."
The problem seems to have appeared in recent years precisely because so many non-elite, i.e. average, competitors are entering these events.