Hydration

Hydrated cells are healthy cells.

 

Our body are made up of cells, most of the content of which is water.  A well-hydrated cell absorbs oxygen and nutrients and disposes of toxins and waste efficiently. Dehydrated cells are inefficient cells.  Unfortunately, thirst is not an accurate guide to the body's hydration levels. By the time you feel thirsty, you already are dehydrated.

 

• 37 % of Americans mistake dehydration for hunger. The figure is similar in the UK.  People eat when they should drink.
   
• We should all drink a number of fluid ounces equal to half your body weight. For example, a 14 stone man should drink 100 ounces (about 3 litres) per day; an 8.5 stone woman should drink 60 ounces (about 2.5 litres) per day.
   
• Pregnant women should drink a minimum of 3 litres per day.

Physical activity increases the need for hydration.

• Vigorous exercise for 30 minutes requires at least half a litre of water to re-hydrate.
   
• Workouts longer than 30 minutes require at least 3 quarters of a litre of water to re-hydrate.
   
• Water should be consumed before, during, and after each workout.

• Coffee, tea, and many soft drinks contain large amounts of caffeine.
   
• Drinking caffeinated beverages do not hydrate the body.
   
• For every cup of caffeinated beverage, you should drink an additional two cups of water to counteract the dehydrating effects of caffeine beverage.