The Importance of Hydration

Summer is here, and the temperature is rising - finally!

Currently, I am in the midst of a 4 week boot-camp.  

When I started this routine I realized that I had been ignoring my hydration needs.  

Usually I am really good at keeping up with my water intake but it seemed that I had let things slip a bit.

With the temperatures getting warmer, and many of us spending lots of time outside in the garden, 

on the golf course, or playing sports - keeping our bodies hydrated is more crucial than ever.  

All that being said, I thought I would write about the importance of hydration 

and just how much water we should be consuming day to day.

Water accounts for 60-70 percent of our body weight (Montana State University).  

If we don't drink enough water our bodies become dehydrated and our bodies systems become compromised and fail to function normally.

Dehydration causes muscle fatigue, reduced co-ordination, muscle cramps, 

light headedness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and thirst.  

In order to keep our body temperature down during exertion our body produces sweat, 

when dehydrated we cannot sweat anymore and therefore overheat.  

If dehydration continues we run the risk of heat stroke, which is potentially fatal.  

So, how do you prevent dehydration?

It's recommended that we drink 8-9 cups of water a day (Mayo Clinic).

If we increase our physical activity, and the amount that we sweat, 

we need to increase our intake of water.  

When you know you are going to be active - I recommend drinking 1-2 cups of water 

a few hours BEFORE and then the same amount about 30 minutes before activity.  

It's also important to stay hydrated DURING activity as well as AFTER.

Most importantly, pay attention to your body.

If you feel any of the signs I mentioned above 

(nausea, dizziness, light headedness, etc.) during physical activity...

STOP AND DRINK WATER!!!

Have a great July!

Get out there and enjoy the sun - just remember to drink lots and wear sunscreen!