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.
The functions of water in the body are manifold. It is responsible for the transportation and nutrients and the elimination of waste products. Water lubricates joints and tissues and facilitates digestion. It regulates temperature through sweating and plays an important role in the function of several organs and glands.
Water and hydration are especially important when it comes to physical activity.
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.
It is very important for athletes to pay specific attention to hydration while 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?
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 best idea is to simply proceed with caution. Remember that sports drinks like Gatorade and PowerAde have calories – about 200 per bottle, in fact. Such calories are great to take in after a highly intense work-out, not necessarily after a 20-minute walk.
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.
Damian Papworth, an enthusiastic recreational cyclist, recently put together the Cycling Water Bottle website. He understands how important a bike water bottle is to hydration on the long rides.
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