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Did action star Bruce Lee die from drinking too much water?

Martial arts legend Bruce Lee died of brain swelling 49 years ago. What could have triggered this hasn’t been clear for a long time. But researchers now suspect the then 32-year-old may have died of water intoxication. FITBOOK takes a closer look at why drinking too much water can actually be life-threatening, especially under severe physical stress.

Sufficient water intake is important, especially if you sweat a lot and lose fluid as a result. Action star Bruce Lee is said to have done both in the final weeks of his life. After all, the martial artist, who was also in the prime of his film career at the time, trained a lot. It is also confirmed that Bruce Lee drank six to eight liters of water a day before his death. “We believe Bruce Lee died of some form of kidney dysfunction,” says a recent study shedding light on the celebrity’s death.1 As a result, Lee’s body was unable to excrete the supplied liquid in sufficient quantities.

Powerful story – and not that incredibly rare either. Athletes in particular are particularly at risk of developing water intoxication. In addition to apparently Bruce Lee, extreme runner Sandra Wukovich met this fate at the Marathon des Sables, one of the toughest extreme races in the world. FITBOOK explains the phenomenon in more detail and also why you shouldn’t be afraid to drink water.

Basically, drinking water is important and healthy

According to German Society for Nutrition eV” (DG) an adult should drink about 1.5 liters during the day. It is best taken with meals and in between as well. It should not drop below 1.0 liters during the day, otherwise there is a risk of water shortage. Because water performs many important functions in the body. For example, it contributes to temperature regulation, helps transport nutrients from food, and transports decomposition products to the excretory organs. Furthermore, it is an important component of the cells, it helps the metabolism and ensures that the blood can flow. Water can also have positive effects on weight loss. Regularly drinking a glass of water before eating can also help you lose weight in the long run. Because the liquid fills the stomach, which causes a faster feeling of satiety.

Also interesting: Is tap water as good as mineral water?

When is there too much water?

“If you sit quietly and the body can expel the fluid, nothing can happen,” explains nutrition expert Dr. Michele Despeghel. However, under physical stress, a problem can actually arise. “In a runner, for example, who exceeds a water intake of four or five liters, more demineralization occurs.” This can lead to limitations, symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, tiredness and difficulty breathing can be the result.

It becomes especially dangerous with a potassium deficiency. “Then you end up in the intensive care unit,” says Despeghel. The kidneys can no longer process the liquid, the salt balance gets confused and the body is literally flooded. In the worst case hyponatremia occurs, also known as water intoxication.

Also interesting: How long should you keep drinking from an open water bottle?

Hyponatremia: What Happens With Water Intoxication?

DGE diplom-oecotrophologist Antje Gahl explains what happens in what is known as water intoxication as follows: “In the case of hyponatremia, the concentration of salt ions in the blood is lower. As a result, the water is channeled into the cells (the intracellular space) and swells them». There is a risk of death.

Also interesting: drink 5 liters of water a day for a week – what’s the point?

On the contrary: this is how a lack of liquid manifests itself

Since our bodies excrete fluids through the kidneys, intestines, skin and lungs every day, it is important to replenish these losses to regulate the body’s natural water balance. Of course, this water loss can also be greater, depending on whether you sweat intensely due to physical activity or high temperatures. But even with symptoms of illness such as fever, diarrhea and vomiting, the body loses more water than usual. The DGE then advises that an additional 0.5-1.0 liters of water may be required to fill the water tank.

Dehydration can cause the following symptoms: dry skin, dark urine, constipation, headaches, and problems with concentration and circulation. Also, according to the DGE, “you get tired quickly and have trouble concentrating. The body can no longer adequately excrete the necessary substances in the urine and the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscle and brain cells is limited.

We can absorb water not only through liquids, but also through solid food. A cucumber, for example, is almost 100% water. For a long time, coffee has been considered a thief of liquids. But there is a green light for all coffee lovers. Up to four cups a day is perfectly fine and won’t dehydrate a body accustomed to caffeine. On the contrary: the amount is normally added to the daily fluid intake.

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