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.
Water is important for the transportation of nutrients, the removal of waste products and the facilitation of digestion. It regulates body temperature through sweating and lubricates tissues and joints. Water is an important player in the function of many organs, glands and tissues.
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.
This is why athletes have to pay special attention to hydration while engaging in a sport or 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.
Once the amount of hydration and rehydration is determined, the beverage chosen for hydration must be determined. Many athletes and coaches insist that water is always the best choice. Nevertheless, today more and more sports drinks are hitting the market and many people are turning to them.
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.
When it comes to sports drinks, the best advice is to proceed with caution and moderation. These beverages have calories - about 200 of them - meaning that they can wipe out a 20-minute walk pretty fast. There is no reason to avoid them entirely, but it is important to keep in mind that they are best fit for serious athletes following intense workouts. Otherwise, they may require calorie cutting in other areas.
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.
Water is important for the transportation of nutrients, the removal of waste products and the facilitation of digestion. It regulates body temperature through sweating and lubricates tissues and joints. Water is an important player in the function of many organs, glands and tissues.
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.
This is why athletes have to pay special attention to hydration while engaging in a sport or 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.
Once the amount of hydration and rehydration is determined, the beverage chosen for hydration must be determined. Many athletes and coaches insist that water is always the best choice. Nevertheless, today more and more sports drinks are hitting the market and many people are turning to them.
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.
When it comes to sports drinks, the best advice is to proceed with caution and moderation. These beverages have calories - about 200 of them - meaning that they can wipe out a 20-minute walk pretty fast. There is no reason to avoid them entirely, but it is important to keep in mind that they are best fit for serious athletes following intense workouts. Otherwise, they may require calorie cutting in other areas.
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 put together the Cycling Water Bottle website. He knows how important a bike water bottle is to hydration on the long outings.
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