A 28 year old California mother of 3 met her tragic end this past Friday after taking part in a radio station-sponsored water-drinking contest.

The Hold your Wee for a Wii contest was sponsored by Sacramento, California’s KDND 107.9, and had contestants slugging back water while holding their “urge to go” in the hopes of nabbing the grand prize - a Nintendo Wii video game system.

Our friends over at GizmoCafe.com report that Sacramento, California resident Jennifer Strange, 28, died as a result of water intoxication after she consumed more than two liters of water without urination, according to the coroner’s report. Strange and the other contestants were each given 8 ounces containers of water to consume over fifteen minute periods.  Basically whoever drank the most water without “weeing” won themselves the coveted Wii.

I know I talk a lot throughout FitnessGear101 about the importance of hydration. However there is another side to that. Many of us aren’t aware of the dangers of too much water (or water intoxication) and might not understand how something so vital could cause us bodily harm. This woman’s tragic death shows us that the over-indulgence of anything can actually hurt us – even things we believe are healthy for us – supplements, vitamins, herbs, water…

Water intoxication didn’t claim Strange until hours after the contest. During the time leading up to her death, she complained of a headache, which was actually the result of her brain swelling. This was followed by seizure and eventually death.  The rapid intake of water threw Strange’s electrolyte levels so dangerously out of balance that it ultimately resulted in her death. Electrolytes are a mineral mixture of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium that are responsible for regulating our bodily functions – such as the kidneys, and muscle and nerve function. When electrolytes are lost due to sweat or excess hydration, they need to be replaced for the body to once again function normally.

Thanks to Brando at GizmoCafe for the great news story. For more information on safe water intake, please consult the Water Requirement tool on FitnessGear101.com.