Monday, July 22, 2013

Stay Hydrated This Summer

It's easy to get dehydrated in the summer sun if you exercise outdoors.  Drinking plenty of water is essential to staying hydrated.  It is the most abundant and most important nutrient in the body.  Our muscle weight is nearly 75% water.

We receive most of our water from liquids although we do get some from food.  On the other hand, we lose most of our water through sweat, exhaling, and urine.  Dehydration starts at 1% body weight loss due to sweating.  A person working out can lose as much as 3 liters of water per hour during a very strenuous workout.

Most experts suggest that a sedentary person should drink at least 2.5 liters of water per day.  On hot days and/or during exercise, water intake can be as much as 5 to 10 liters.  Proper hydration will help you maintain your workout intensity.  Studies have shown sports performance begins to drop with dehydration levels of only 1%.

So stay cool and hydrated this summer for better workouts and a healthier body!