Having HealthyHydration is Essential for Your BodyHealthyHydration IS ONE OF THE MOST essential components of the human body, yet many people do not understand the importance of a well hydrated body nor how much water is lost during the day. Water regulates the body's temperature, cushions and protects vital organs, and it aids the digestive system. And because water composes more than half of the human body, it is impossible to sustain life for more than a week with out it.
Water LossNecessary to the healthy function of all internal organs, water must be consumed to replace the amount lost each day during basic activities. HealthyHydration with water not only composes 75 percent of all muscle tissue and 25 percent of fatty tissue, it also acts within each cell to transport nutrients and dispel waste.
Water also regulates the body's temperature, allowing heat to evaporate from the body in form of sweat. In one hour of exercise the body can lose more than a quart of water, depending on exercise intensity and air temperature. If there is enough water for the body to cool itself through perspiration, the body enters a state of dehydration. DehydrationIn a dehydrated state the body is unable to cool itself, leading to heat exhaustion and possibly heat stroke. Without an adequate supply of water the body will lack energy and muscles may develop cramps.
For regular exercisers maintaining a constant supply of water in the body is essential to performance. Dehydration leads to muscle fatigue and loss of coordination. Even small amounts of water loss may hinder athletic performance. To prevent dehydration, exercisers must drink before, during and after the workout.
Fluid Balance and ReplenishmentIt is important to drink even before signs of thirst appear. Thirst is a signal that your body is already on the way to dehydration. It is a signal that your body is already on the way to dehydration. It is important to drink more than thirst demands and to continue to drink throughout the day. One way to check your Healthyhydration level is to check the color of your urine. The color should be light to clear unless you are taking supplements, which will darken the color for several hours after consumption.
Water is the best fluid replenish er for all individuals, although sports drinks may replace lost electrolytes after high-intensity exercise exceeding 45 to 90 minutes. And remember--not all fluids has to come from pure water. Other choices include fruits, juices, soups and vegetables. It is easy to prevent de- hydration with pure, healthy, refreshing water, so drink up!!
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