Making Hydration An Important Part Of Sport

Our bodies are made up of more than 60% water - a huge and almost unimaginable amount. This essential fluid is quite possibly the most important element of life, facilitating its very existence. This is why doctors and nutritionists recommend that we drink seven to ten glasses of water during the day as a surefire way to promote health and well-being. We are told to make a conscious effort to stay hydrated as a way to benefit our physical and mental selves.

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.

Hydration is extremely important in daily life, regardless of physical activity. When intense athletic activity is added in, however, hydration becomes an even more vital 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.

These are just a few of the many reasons why it is important that athletes pay special attention to hydration will working out.

Monitoring hydration and figuring out when to rehydrate is a trial-and-error process. All individuals are different, and each person must decide what works for him or her. The amount of fluid to take in during sport depends upon the length and intensity of exercise as well as the individual athlete. When taking into consideration other factors such as high altitude and temperature, the hydration process can be even more complicated. With time, however, most athletes come to know what works and what doesn't.

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 definitive answer, however, when it comes to the real effectiveness of sports drinks. They contain electrolytes important to take in after intense exercise, but these electrolytes come accompanied by sugars, syrups and chemicals that are not always the best.

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.