The Fluid Facts

 

For all sports the importance of drinking whilst engaged in sport is vital. Water is our most essential nutrient; we can live longer without food, than we can without water. Water comprises 60% of our body weight, and blood is 90% water. Lost fluids need to be replaced regularly throughout the day to maintain proper body temperature and energy-producing capabilities.

 

The body keeps cool during exercise by circulating blood to the skin, where water is lost in the form of sweat. Eventually, if you lose enough water, you'll put undue strain on your cardio-vascular system, causing performance to deteriorate In extreme cases, dehydration can lead to heart failure, among other things, and death can occur.

 

Most active people have experienced mild dehydration without knowing it. This is because the signs of dehydration can be subtle. To improve your performance, tune into your body's signals of dehydration. 

 

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Flushed Skin

Heat Intolerance

Light-headiness

Small amounts of dark urine.

 

Always drink before you exercise, try to cut out Fizzy drinks, when exercising drink small amounts regularly, after exercise, drink plenty of fluids, even if you are not thirsty, thirst is a poor indicator of fluid needs.