I knew this could happen. But, I didn't know the mechanics.

I have been aware of this condition for some time. Eating, and eating salty foods, is crucial when sweating tons. But the heat and conditions (internal and external) may suppress appetite, so you have to be conscious of it. One reason we have potato chips with lunch when doing all-day bike rides, especially in hot weather

I think that using things like Gatoraide does help with this problem, but since I can't stand those drinks, I try to be aware of eating (this is particularly true for those--like me and Second Son--who tend to drink a lot).

What surprises me here is that the problem of not getting enough salt is fairly well known, it seems to me. So I'm wondering exactly what this woman did and how much water she drank. A "five-hour hike" sure doesn't explain things too well.

I do drink Gatorade consistently when engaging in strenuous exercise — especially on hot days. Back in college years all we had were salt tablets. But the problem has been known for a long time. And as the article suggests, her condition being so critical as to lead to death in little over five hours is fairly rare.

Ditto on the potato chips.

Well, actually, kinda. Yeah. Too many years being careful about my diet