Hydration!
- James Henderson
- Feb 5, 2019
- 2 min read
Happy Tuesday!
It is raining hard, streets are flooded, and the wind it powerful this week. That still should not stop you from taking care of your body. You are in pursuit of your dreams and goals. You must operate at your peak so make sure that you are filling your body up with quality fluids.
Here are a few reasons why hydration is so important.
"Hydration is important because the body is comprised mostly of water, and the proper balance between water and electrolytes in our bodies really determines how most of our systems function, including nerves and muscles," says Larry Kenney, PhD, a professor of physiology and kinesiology at Penn State.
Drinking fluids serves a range of purposes in our bodies, such as removing waste through urine; controlling body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure; and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Without it, the body begins to shut down. Symptoms of severe dehydration include altered behavior, such as severe anxiety, confusion, or not being able to stay awake; faintness that is not relieved by lying down; an inability to stand or walk; rapid breathing; a weak, rapid pulse; and loss of consciousness.
While striking a water balance in our bodies is something that happens naturally as we consume three meals a day coupled with beverages, most people aren't aware that the body is only one or two percentage points away from a problem.
"Very slight changes in body water may create some performance issues in sports; as little as a 2% decrease in body water can lead to dehydration and performance detriments in sports," says Kenney. "When your water levels decrease by higher levels like 3% or 4%, there are physiological changes that occur that may have health consequences, such as increased heart rate and body temperature."
"The exact amount of water needed per day really depends on the individual," says Rick Hall, a registered dietitian in Phoenix. "People who exercise, for example, will lose a lot more water through sweat and breathing, so their needs are higher."
Athletes need to quench their thirst even when they're not thirsty, and avoid relying on the feeling of thirst to tell them when to drink.
"Headaches and cramping are common signs of dehydration," says Hall. "However, these are late signs. Unfortunately, the body hides mild dehydration very well, and it can take hours before you recognize that you are dehydrated."
Exercise, explains Hall, blunts the thirst mechanism.
"So folks who are running or biking may not feel thirsty when they actually need water desperately," Hall tells WebMD. "An important strategy is to prevent dehydration by hydrating frequently."
Reference:
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Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD, The Quest for Hydration,
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. - 3 John 1:2
Make IT a FANTASTIC Day!
James Henderson MS, MBA, CSCS Performance Enhancement Coach Coachjames56@gmail.com (714) 234-6552
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