Got Water?

Got Water?


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How do you feel after drinking too much alcohol?  I once heard someone compare the feeling of being hungover to what your muscles and joints experience when forced to exercise or work hard when dehydrated. 


The human body does not function properly when dehydrated.  With a lack of proper water, the body is also placed at a significantly higher risk for various illnesses, injuries, and other health problems.  To maintain proper hydration, adult males require 3.7 liters (125 fluid ounces) and adult females require 2.7 liters (92 fluid ounces) of water per day.  However, this does not include the amount of water lost due to sweating during exercise or stressful activities. 

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When participating in exercise or activities that cause increased sweating, the difference in body weight is the best way to measure how much fluid is lost.  Body weight should be obtained both before and after exercise/activity.  With each weight measurement, minimal, dry clothing should be worn and shoes should be removed.  For each pound lost during exercise/activity, approximately 0.5 liters (16 ounces) of fluid are lost.  A loss of 2% body weight places a tactical athlete at a significantly increased risk of sustaining a heat illness or injury. 

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To meet daily hydration requirements, tactical athletes may drink water, but certain foods and beverages also contain higher concentrations of water and may also contribute to daily fluid needs.  Some of the highest water containing foods and beverages are listed below.

  • Cucumbers
  • Iceberg lettuce
  • Celery
  • Tomatoes
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Zucchini
  • Watermelon
  • Spinach
  • Strawberries
  • Milk
  • Cantaloupe
  • Honeydew melon
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Peaches
  • Carrots
  • Oranges
  • Pineapple
  • Apples


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A balanced diet containing fruits and vegetables can help to meet your daily fluid requirements.  Maintaining appropriate hydration levels ensures optimal physical and mental preparedness and performance. 

By: J. Scott, DPT, ATC, CSCS, TSAC-F


Sources:

Gatorade Sports Science Institute

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association position statement on Fluid Replacement of Athletes

The National Strength and Conditioning Association

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