Cellular energy production and athletic performance optimization

Cells

An individual can drink too much water. Excess hydration can lead to electrolyte disruption by diluting fluids in the body to the point that concentrations of electrolytes are too low for normal function. Depletion of electrolytes can disrupt function of muscles and nerves, leading to a variety of symptoms up to and including death. Harm from consumption of water are very rare, as a healthy person would have to drink an extreme amount of water in a very short period of time to experience significant harmful effects. Excess hydration is usually only experienced due to drug abuse or when forced.

When an athlete does not get enough oxygen to meet the demands of his or her system, cells cannot maintain a cycle of aerobic respiration and begin producing energy through anaerobic respiration. Aeorobic respiration is 18 times more efficient than anaerobic respiration at producing the adenosine triphosphate used to transport energy within cells from the pyruvate left over from glycolysis. Anaerobic respiration also has the side-effect of producing potentially harmful chemicals. The primary byproduct is lactic acid, but butyric acid and acetone also occur. The theoretical final result of oxygen deprivation is death, due to the buildup of byproducts from anaerobic respiration and the severe reduction in energy production. In athletics, death from oxygen deprivation is rare, as it usually causes unconsiousness first, which immidiately ceases the strenuous activity that significantly contributes to inadaquate availability of oxygen.