What should athletes with mild hyponatremia do?

• A. Restrict fluids and consume salty foods or a small volume of oral hypertonic solution
• B. Increase fluids and drink water
• C. Take diuretics
• D. Engage in high-intensity training

Answer: (A)

Mild hyponatremia occurs when there’s too much water relative to sodium in the body, diluting blood sodium levels during or after exercise. The goal is to correct the sodium deficit without adding more excess water. Restricting fluids helps stop further dilution, while adding sodium helps restore normal blood sodium levels. Consuming salty foods or a small amount of an oral hypertonic solution provides sodium more efficiently than simply drinking more water, and it avoids overwhelming the system with extra fluid. Diuretics would remove water and sodium, making the imbalance worse, and high-intensity training doesn’t address the underlying issue and could worsen symptoms. If symptoms are severe, it becomes a medical emergency requiring different treatment, but for mild cases this approach is appropriate.