Importance Of Hydration For Athletes

Importance of Hydration For Athletes

About The importance of hydration for good health and properly functioning body systems cannot be overstated. As the warmer months approach and outdoor activities increase, special attention needs to be given to proper hydration and to the prevention of heat illnesses for all, but especially for young athletes. Because the body cannot store water, we must constantly provide and supply it with water to maintain our body’s many functioning systems. While water contains zero calories, it is considered a nutrient, comprising 5570% of our body’s composition

How Much Water Is Enough?

There are no exact rules for how much water to drink while exercising because everyone is different. You need to consider factors including your sweat rate, the heat and humidity in your environment, and how long and hard you are exercising.

What about sports drinks?

For most people, water is all that is needed to stay hydrated. However, if you will be exercising at a high intensity for longer than an hour, a sports drink may be helpful. The calories, potassium, and other nutrients in sports drinks can provide energy.

What are the signs of dehydration?

Dehydration happens when you lose more fluid than you drink. When your body doesn't have enough water, it can't work properly.

Dehydration can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms of dehydration like Dizziness or lightheaded feeling, Nausea or Vomiting, Muscle cramps etc.

Heat Illness Heat illness can occur when the body is dehydrated and can't cool itself effectively during exercise in hot or humid weather. There are 3 stages of heat illness like Heat cramps, Heat exhaustion, Heatstroke.

Hyponatremia Hyponatremia is a rare condition that happens when there is too little sodium in the body. It can occur in athletes who drink too much water.

Athletes who participate in endurance activities (for example, marathons or triathlons) have a higher risk of hyponatremia.

Too Much Water This depends on your body and the kind of activity you are doing.

Talk to your family doctor if you have questions about the right amount of water to drink while exercising.

Thank You