Proper Hydration for Athletes

Water is one of the most essential components of an athlete’s nutritional intake. It has several important functions in the human body such as the transportation of nutrients, the elimination of waste products, the lubrication of joints and tissues, and the regulation of temperature by sweating. Therefore, proper hydration is vital, especially during exercises. An adequate consumption of water is crucial in order to enhance the comfort, safety, and performance of an athlete. So, the longer and the more intense the exercise is, the more important it is for the person doing the exercise to drink the right liquids.

Athletes, in particular, have to ensure that their bodies stay well-hydrated so that they would be able to perform at optimum levels. When two percent or more of a body’s total weight is lost because of sweating, the blood volume drops or decreases. This, in turn, makes the heart work harder so that it will still be able to move blood through the person’s bloodstream. Eventually, this can cause dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps, and heat stroke. So, it is important for an athlete to watch out for signs of dehydration. It can be brought on by an inadequate intake of fluids, excessive sweating, exercising in hot weather, drinking water only when feeling thirsty, and failing to replace the fluid lost during and after exercises.

Ensure your better health by making a conscious effort to drink as much water as your body needs in a day. Better hydration would eventually lead to improved health and athletic ability.