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 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.
Exercise causes us to sweat, meaning that our bodies lose water. When we lose water, our bodies are forced to work harder. Take this statistic for example - a loss of just one percent of body weight because of sweating is related to a significant drop in blood volume and an increased effort on the part of the heart. Dehydration is also a leading cause of cramps, dizziness, fatigue 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?
There is no conclusion when it comes to sports drinks. They do contain electrolytes important to take in after super intense work-outs, but they often are composed by tons of sugar as well.
The general view when it comes to sports drinks is to proceed with caution. A bottle of Gatorade has calories - about 200 of them in fact - and can easily erase the calories burned in a 20-minute walk. It is vital to remember that unlike water, these drinks have carbohydrates, sugars, fats and calories, just like soft drinks. After intense activity, these drinks are important in replenishing lost fluids and nutrients. After moderate or light activity, however, they should be consumed in moderation.
Hydration is the essence of life. It is what keeps us going all year round and allows us to make it through each day. When it comes to exercise, hydration becomes even more important. It is key to athletic excellence and success.
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.
Exercise causes us to sweat, meaning that our bodies lose water. When we lose water, our bodies are forced to work harder. Take this statistic for example - a loss of just one percent of body weight because of sweating is related to a significant drop in blood volume and an increased effort on the part of the heart. Dehydration is also a leading cause of cramps, dizziness, fatigue 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?
There is no conclusion when it comes to sports drinks. They do contain electrolytes important to take in after super intense work-outs, but they often are composed by tons of sugar as well.
The general view when it comes to sports drinks is to proceed with caution. A bottle of Gatorade has calories - about 200 of them in fact - and can easily erase the calories burned in a 20-minute walk. It is vital to remember that unlike water, these drinks have carbohydrates, sugars, fats and calories, just like soft drinks. After intense activity, these drinks are important in replenishing lost fluids and nutrients. After moderate or light activity, however, they should be consumed in moderation.
Hydration is the essence of life. It is what keeps us going all year round and allows us to make it through each day. When it comes to exercise, hydration becomes even more important. It is key to athletic excellence and success.
About the Author:
Damian Papworth, a keen amateur cyclist, recently put together the Cycling Water Bottle website. He knows how important a bike water bottle is to hydration on the long rides.
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