Our bodies are made up of more than 60% water - a huge and almost unimaginable amount. This essential fluid is quite possibly the most important element of life, facilitating its very existence. This is why doctors and nutritionists recommend that we drink seven to ten glasses of water during the day as a surefire way to promote health and well-being. We are told to make a conscious effort to stay hydrated as a way to benefit our physical and mental selves.
The functions of water in the body are manifold. It is responsible for the transportation and nutrients and the elimination of waste products. Water lubricates joints and tissues and facilitates digestion. It regulates temperature through sweating and plays an important role in the function of several organs and glands.
In daily life, it is important to stay well-hydrated at all times. When sports and athletic activity are added into the mix, hydration becomes an even more important issue.
In order to perform physically and athletically, hydration is key. Physical activity and exercise causes us to sweat, effectively losing water. When we lose water, our bodies have to work harder to work. Studies show that a loss of only one percent of one's body weight from sweating is related to a drop in blood volume. This drop in blood volume requires that our hearts work harder to move blood throughout our bodies, meaning that physical activity becomes more difficult. Dehydration during exercise can have several adverse effects, including cramps, dizziness, exhaustion and heat stroke.
It is very important for athletes to pay specific attention to hydration while working out.
What can be difficult is figuring out how much hydration is needed. Each individual must monitor his or her own hydration and rehydration practices, optimizing performance. Beyond individual physical structure and make-up, several other factors influence the necessity of rehydration. Length and intensity of exercise largely dictate how much liquid should be consumed before, during and after activity. Other important factors include temperature and altitude. With time and experience, all athletes are sure to be able to figure out what works and what does not.
But hydration isn't just about knowing when and how much to drink - it is also about knowing what to drink. Many athletes stick with water, the old classic that has been tried and trusted for years. Nevertheless, there are tons of sports drinks available in the market today. How does one know if these drinks are worth it?
Opinions vary on sports drinks as a whole. While many recognize that they contain electrolytes that are important to replace after intense workouts, others argue that they are simply sugar-filled concoctions that do very little to promote hydration and health.
The best idea is to simply proceed with caution. Remember that sports drinks like Gatorade and PowerAde have calories - about 200 per bottle, in fact. Such calories are great to take in after a highly intense work-out, not necessarily after a 20-minute walk.
Hydration is key to performance and well-being with or without athletic activity added into the mix. Sports, however, require a special attention to the issue not required by other parts of life.
The functions of water in the body are manifold. It is responsible for the transportation and nutrients and the elimination of waste products. Water lubricates joints and tissues and facilitates digestion. It regulates temperature through sweating and plays an important role in the function of several organs and glands.
In daily life, it is important to stay well-hydrated at all times. When sports and athletic activity are added into the mix, hydration becomes an even more important issue.
In order to perform physically and athletically, hydration is key. Physical activity and exercise causes us to sweat, effectively losing water. When we lose water, our bodies have to work harder to work. Studies show that a loss of only one percent of one's body weight from sweating is related to a drop in blood volume. This drop in blood volume requires that our hearts work harder to move blood throughout our bodies, meaning that physical activity becomes more difficult. Dehydration during exercise can have several adverse effects, including cramps, dizziness, exhaustion and heat stroke.
It is very important for athletes to pay specific attention to hydration while working out.
What can be difficult is figuring out how much hydration is needed. Each individual must monitor his or her own hydration and rehydration practices, optimizing performance. Beyond individual physical structure and make-up, several other factors influence the necessity of rehydration. Length and intensity of exercise largely dictate how much liquid should be consumed before, during and after activity. Other important factors include temperature and altitude. With time and experience, all athletes are sure to be able to figure out what works and what does not.
But hydration isn't just about knowing when and how much to drink - it is also about knowing what to drink. Many athletes stick with water, the old classic that has been tried and trusted for years. Nevertheless, there are tons of sports drinks available in the market today. How does one know if these drinks are worth it?
Opinions vary on sports drinks as a whole. While many recognize that they contain electrolytes that are important to replace after intense workouts, others argue that they are simply sugar-filled concoctions that do very little to promote hydration and health.
The best idea is to simply proceed with caution. Remember that sports drinks like Gatorade and PowerAde have calories - about 200 per bottle, in fact. Such calories are great to take in after a highly intense work-out, not necessarily after a 20-minute walk.
Hydration is key to performance and well-being with or without athletic activity added into the mix. Sports, however, require a special attention to the issue not required by other parts of life.
About the Author:
Damian Papworth, a keen recreational cyclist, recently published the Cycling Water Bottle website. He knows how important a bike water bottle is to hydration on the long rides.