Today, tons of viral diets and workout programs promise incredible results if you follow their tips. One such trend is 75 Hard, developed by Andy Frisella. And it is just like it sounds. For 75 days, a list of expectations includes following a special diet, working out twice a day, excluding alcohol, and no cheat days. There is also a requirement to drink a gallon of water each day. That last bit got one woman on TikTok in big trouble.
Michelle Fairburn, aka @michellefairburn on the social media app, has 50,000 followers, and she recently addressed them in a series of videos and explained how drinking a gallon of water daily landed her in the hospital. Fairburn had what she called "water poisoning." And to be honest, it is pretty scary. The situation has caused many to question whether the 75 Hard challenge is worth it.
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Fairburn was committed to the program.
She wanted to complete 75 Hard, not for weight loss, she said, but to prove she could. So she worked out, ate healthy, and drank the water. But the water started to make her feel sick. She felt so bad that she went to the doctor for help.
"I don't feel good at all. I knew I didn't feel good when I was going to bed last night. And then, I woke up like several times in the night to pee, and then I woke up today, and like, my muscles are just so weak," she said. "I can't eat. I've been on the toilet, like TMI, I've been on the toilet all morning. I'm so nauseous."
It sounds just horrible.
This happened on day 12 of 75 Hard.
Fairburn was nearly two weeks into the challenge when she started to feel sick. She admitted that Frisella said in a podcast that participants needed to listen to their bodies. Thankfully, she listened to hers and went to a doctor.
She was pretty shocked when the doctor sent her straight to the hospital. Her sodium levels were dangerously low. "I have severe sodium deficiency, which actually can be fatal," she said in a follow-up video.
OK, that is terrifying.
She was successfully treated and posted another video telling followers she was OK and on the mend.
But she also admitted that she wasn't giving up.
Fairburn insisted that she would continue the 75 Hard challenge despite getting so sick. Under her doctor's recommendation, she will be cutting her water intake dramatically, which should help her remain healthy.
"I'll be just sticking to what they recommended, which is 32 oz or when I'm thirsty," she explained.
Some TikTokers were shocked she was going to continue the challenge.
It was obvious to many people in the comments that Fairburn was extremely sick, and some couldn’t believe she would continue.
"Why, why, would you do something like this? Just trying to understand," someone asked.
"I think these fitness challenges need to address the risks. Not your fault for following it at all. Keep at it girl ," another person commented.
One mom totally understood her plight. "This basically happened to my son when he chugged a bottle of water at 4. He had excruciating pain, vomiting, diarrhea," she wrote.
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Following this challenge could have been deadly.
Indeed, drinking excessive water is very dangerous. There was even a famous story in 2007 about a 29-year-old mother of three who died after drinking excessive amounts of water for a competition at a radio station. It can be pretty scary stuff.
The Mayo Clinic explains that water is essential, but too much isn't good for anyone.
"When you drink too much water, your kidneys can't get rid of the excess water. The sodium content of your blood becomes diluted. This is called hyponatremia and it can be life-threatening," the website reads.
Thankfully, Fairburn is fine and followed her doctor's recommendations to stay healthy. And wow, what a warrior to continue on the 75 Hard journey. That is some serious dedication. We're impressed.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
