text: Nutritional Readiness
  OVERHYDRATING
  Overhydrating can cause excessive dilution of sodium in the
  blood, a potentially life-threatening condition called hyponatremia.
  In situations where Soldiers are drinking to a schedule or regimen
  over prolonged periods of less intense physical activity, it is
  important to consider risk factors, signs, and ways to mitigate this
  condition.
  RISK FACTORS:
   Cool and less humid conditions that make fluid loss
  considerably less than expected
   Overconsumption of beverages that have low sodium content
   Inadequate food consumption along with over hydration
  SIGNS:
   Swollen fingers
   Disorientation
   Abdominal bloating
   Reduced urine output
  MITIGATION STRATEGIES:
   Adequate food consumption
   Carbohydrate–electrolyte beverage consumption after more
  than 60 minutes of activity
  DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS (CAFFEINE, SPORTS DRINKS, ENERGY DRINKS, ELECTROLYTE
  DRINKS)
  8-46. The most common reasons military personnel give for using dietary supplements include improving
  performance, increasing muscle mass, enhancing energy level, accelerating recovery, increasing alertness,
  boosting the immune system, and improving joint function. The best sources of information on dietary
  supplements are dietitians, certified specialists in sports dietetics, health care providers, or pharmacists.
  8-47. Soldiers who purchase supplements should be aware that these products target our human desire for
  health and performance shortcuts. Some may be damaging and dangerous: if a product or claim sounds too
  good to be true, it probably is. Soldiers need to consider the consequences of taking various supplements,
  either alone or in combination. They also need to check that the source of the information obtained for making
  that decision is trustworthy.
  Dietary Supplements and the Law
  8-48. Well over 50 percent of the U.S. population takes some type of dietary supplement. To understand why
  dietary supplements use is a concern, one must appreciate the history. In 1994 the Dietary Supplement Health
  and Education Act (DSHEA) was passed by Congress to—
  * Limit barriers to marketing and promoting dietary supplements.
  * Provide for wide availability of supplements to consumers.
  * Enhance information available to consumers.
  8-49. The passing of DSHEA gave the FDA regulatory control over dietary supplements, and the law
  required that the label of a dietary supplements provide the name and quantity of each ingredient. It is the
  role of the manufacturer to provide this information; however, this is often not the case. (See discussion
  beginning in paragraph 8-53 for guidance on informed selection of supplements.)