Hydration

Why exactly are we constantly being advised to drink about 21/2 litres of water a day?

Well apparently water represents 45 to 60% of an adult’s total body weight
Muscle comprises 80% water compared to fat which is only 20% water.
Each day the average sedentary individual uses the following amount of water that has to be replaced.
1500 ml/day excretion by kidneys in the form of urine
500ml/day evaporation and perspiration from the skin
300ml/day from the lungs
200 ml/day from the gastrointestinal tract.
To the majority of recreational exercisers thirst will be viewed as an indicator that they need to drink or they will become dehydrated. In actual fact, thirst is a sign that the person is already dehydrated, albeit in the initial stages.
Inadequate hydration will lead to a compromise in the function of the Circulation, Heart, Brain, Lungs and just about every physiological process in the human body.
In simple terms WE DO NOT WORK PROPERLY WHEN DEHYDRATED. The good news is that with the addition of 8 cups / glasses of water daily we can be well on the way to feeling more energised, having better levels of concentration and giving our bodies a fighting chance of doing what they are supposed to do – Keep us fit and Healthy!