Hydration Is A Key Part Of Sport
We've all seen those commercials that tell us that our bodies are made up of a large percentage of water. And while it may be hard to believe, the reality is that water is the central force of life. We are told to drink several glasses of water during the day as a way to promote our overall health. Doctors and nutritionists recommend that we make a conscious effort to stay hydrated in order to stay in our best physical shape.
Water has several different functions in the body. It plays a big role in the transportation of nutrients and the removal of waste products. Water lubricates tissues and joints and facilitates digestion. Though sweating, it regulates body temperature and is generally an important player in the function of many organs and glands.
Water and hydration are especially important when it comes to physical activity.
Hydration is key to optimal performance. When we exercise, we sweat. When we sweat, we lose water. And when we lose water, it becomes more difficult for our bodies to function. In fact, studies have found that a loss of just one or more percent of one's body weight during to sweating is linked to a drop in blood volume, which requires the heart to work harder to move blood through the bloodstream. Dehydration during exercise can cause muscle cramps, dizziness, fatigue and even heat stroke.
These are just a few of the many reasons why it is important that athletes pay special attention to hydration will working out.
That said, knowing exactly what type of hydration is needed can be tough. Each individual's body is different, meaning what is just enough water for one person is too much for another. What is best is for each individual to monitor and decide what works for him and her. Individual physique is not the only factor in hydration, however. Intensity, length, temperature and altitude also make a difference.
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.
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 in physical activity and to well-being as a whole. Get your water bottle ready the next time you head to the gym - you may be surprised at what a difference it makes.
Water has several different functions in the body. It plays a big role in the transportation of nutrients and the removal of waste products. Water lubricates tissues and joints and facilitates digestion. Though sweating, it regulates body temperature and is generally an important player in the function of many organs and glands.
Water and hydration are especially important when it comes to physical activity.
Hydration is key to optimal performance. When we exercise, we sweat. When we sweat, we lose water. And when we lose water, it becomes more difficult for our bodies to function. In fact, studies have found that a loss of just one or more percent of one's body weight during to sweating is linked to a drop in blood volume, which requires the heart to work harder to move blood through the bloodstream. Dehydration during exercise can cause muscle cramps, dizziness, fatigue and even heat stroke.
These are just a few of the many reasons why it is important that athletes pay special attention to hydration will working out.
That said, knowing exactly what type of hydration is needed can be tough. Each individual's body is different, meaning what is just enough water for one person is too much for another. What is best is for each individual to monitor and decide what works for him and her. Individual physique is not the only factor in hydration, however. Intensity, length, temperature and altitude also make a difference.
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.
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 in physical activity and to well-being as a whole. Get your water bottle ready the next time you head to the gym - you may be surprised at what a difference it makes.
About the Author:
Damian Papworth, an enthusiastic amateur cyclist, recently published the Cycling Water Bottle website. He understands how crucial a bike water bottle is to hydration on the long outings.