H2O the Places You'll Go

Welcome back Fitters!
 How goes it? Did you get something in for you today? Remember, you have to take time to make time. Don't let life get in the way of living.

Tonight we are going to talk about something that we can't live without. We can survive several days without food (although it is not recommended), but will perish within days with the most important nutrient our bodies crave...water. It is so readily accessible in our society, that we sometimes forget the immense importance it has in our lives. We take advantage because it is as simple as turning a knob, opening a cooler door and swiping a piece of plastic money, pressing a button and leaning over to sip it from a fountain. But think about it...how many things in this world would you DIE if you didn't have within days? I'm not talking about "Oh my gosh, I would like, totally die if I didn't have my cell on me all the time"....I'm talking dead...within days. Whoa.

I know that's a little dramatic, but even something as simple as the first stages of dehydration can have a massive effect on our bodies. Below is a list of what water does for our system, as well as a list of what happens to our bodies as dehydration sets in. I have also added a video of some tips I use to keep hydrated.

H2O Bodily Functions

 - Regulates Body Temperature: Our bodies don't handle extreme temperature changes well. In fact, changes as little as 6 degrees can cause cell and brain damage. Water helps us keep homeostasis, or a consistent temperature.

 - Lubricates Joints: Our joints take a lot of wear and tear, much like the engine of a car. Without proper lubrication, our joints heat up and wear down much faster than normal.

 - Remove Waste: Our bodies create a lot of waste and toxins. Water helps continuously flush these wastes out so we stay healthy.

 - Proper Muscle Function - Water helps keep muscles properly functioning, by being a transport for electrolytes necessary for muscular contraction. The result of low water content in the body? Cramps, and big ones.

Results of Dehydration

With mild dehyration, the following symptoms may occur: Headaches, dizziness, dry skin, mild cramps during intense exercises, thirst.

Studies have shown that a decrease in a loss of water equal to 2.5% body weight can decrease high intensity performance by up to 45% (your workouts are only about half as good as what you are capable of) (Sports Nutrition, 2nd ed. by Asker Jeukendrup, Michael Gleeson).

These are numbers that are very readily seen in the daily life of an American individual. It does not take a large decrease in water to begin seeing the symptoms of mild dehydration. In fact, if you are the slightest bit thirsty, you are already in the first stages of dehydration.

So how do you stay hydrated? The video below will give you some tips. Stay hydrated, stay moving, and

Stay Fit.