Importance of Hydration

Many people underestimate the importance of water to the body. What is alarming is that even the most experienced and professional athletes neglect or have true understanding of how proper hydrating is critical to health and sports performance.Water is the single most critical nutrient

The human brain is composed of 95% water, blood 82% water; the lungs are nearly 90% water. Water is also the single most critical nutrient for health, growth, and development. It is not only the most important nutrient in the body, but also the most abundant. Water is critical to the balance of all the body’s systems, including the brain, heart lungs, kidneys and muscles. How important is the balance?  A 2% drop in body water can cause a small but critical shrinkage to the brain, which can impair neuromuscular coordination, decrease concentration, and slow thinking. Dehydration can also reduce muscular endurance and decrease strength, cause cramping, and slow muscular response time.

Here is a quick rundown of health benefits of Water

• Healthier skin: Decreases wrinkles.
• Healthier Teeth and Bones: Increases bone density.
• Healthier Joints: Protects the joints, assists with synovial fluid.
• Healthier Mind and Body: Essential for nutrient absorption.
• Healthier Digestive System : Metabolizes food – reduces Constipation.
• Reduces Fatigue: Plays important role with energy transformation.
• Helps Weight Loss: Water shows to suppress appetite.
• Helps Build Muscle: Water is needed for transport of nutrients to our cells, and helps form the structures of protein and glycogen.

Common causes of water loss

– Caffeine intake – Alcohol – Hot environments – Increased sweating – Physical activity

Reasons to increase water intake

– Physical activity – Dieting – Large food intake – Increase of vitamin intake – Warm working environment – Endurance or strength training activities How much water should we be taking Its suggested we should be in taking around 12 cups of water per day. However, this seems to be far to small of an amount for people participating in physical activity or living in a warmer climate. A good base would be 2-4 litres per day, evenly spread throughout the day to ensure proper hydrating.