Are you thirsty now at this very moment? Well, guess what? That means you’re body is already dehydrated!
Yes, you read correctly. There are many ways to tell that your body requires more fluids for hydration, but the worst is the method mentioned above. By the time your body registers the sensation of feeling thirsty, your entire system is dehydrated.
Some of those ways that reveal just how hydrated your body is include urine color, body mass, body temperature, overall moods, and even skin texture (dry, rough).
Fluids, or water specifically, are very important for your body, even outside of normal exercise. In order to remain healthy, it is very crucial that you keep your body hydrated throughout the day. The water stored inside your body helps maintain proper temperatures and keeps vital organs safe from overheating.
As age increases, it becomes much more difficult to remain hydrated and judge just how hydrated you are during exercise. The general rule of thumb would be to make sure you drink plenty of water or fluids throughout your day in preparation for your exercise, as well as during and after.
In the event you are not properly hydrated, your body can overheat, causing severe brain damage, heart problems or even muscle problems. Some basic signs of dehydration include nausea, dizziness, headaches, bladder problems, and even hot flashes.
A recommended plan is to drink 1-2 cups of water early in the morning, 1-2 cups up to 30 minutes before exercise, 1 cup for every 20 minutes of exercise, and 1-3 cups for the fluids you lost during exercise through sweat. And always remember to carry a water bottle with you throughout your day. This will allow you to drink before you become thirsty.
Water and proper hydration also will help keep you active during exercise. As a defense mechanism, if you are dehydrated, your body will shut down to prevent any severe damage. In turn, this defensive maneuver will make you feel tired and interrupt any exercise in progress.
There are no benefits to becoming dehydrated during exercise, so always keep your body well hydrated. If done properly, you will never have to feel thirsty again!
