Is beer a good recovery beverage after running an ultramarathon?

Jeremy Joslin, MD (photo by Jim Howe) Jeremy Joslin, MD (photo by
Jim Howe) Hyponatremia -- a dangerously low sodium level -- is a
risk for ultramarathon runners who drink too much water in an
effort to avoid dehydration. It's a serious condition that can lead
to seizures, coma and death. Some extreme athletes believe that
drinking beer can help alleviate a low sodium level by causing the
body to get rid of fluids through urination. So an emergency
physician at Upstate who has expertise as medical director for a
variety of endurance events around the world decided to conduct a
study. Hyponatremia -- a dangerously low sodium level -- is a risk
for ultramarathon runners who drink too much water in an effort to
avoid dehydration. It's a serious condition that can lead to
seizures, coma and death. Some extreme athletes believe that
drinking beer can help alleviate a low sodium level by causing the
body to get rid of fluids through urination. So an emergency
physician at Upstate who has expertise as medical director for a
variety of endurance events around the world decided to conduct a
study. Jeremy Joslin, MD, Jeremy Joslin, MD, explains what he
learned from runners at a 100-mile race in Florida. Many athletes
are meticulous about the amount and type of fluids they ingest
before, during an after their events. Joslin's guideline is simple:
"Drink if you are thirsty," he says, urging athletes to listen to
their bodies. "Your body actually knows what it is doing." explains
what he learned from runners at a 100-mile race in Florida. Many
athletes are meticulous about the amount and type of fluids they
ingest before, during an after their events. Joslin's guideline is
simple: "Drink if you are thirsty," he says, urging athletes to
listen to their bodies. "Your body actually knows what it is
doing."