Between all the ‘nog, cider and peppermint mochas, there’s a lot of liquid consumed over the holidays, but what about that good old H20? While there is no exact rule, it is recommended you consume 8, 8-ounce glasses of water every day (this can also depend on your weight and range of physical activity).
However, the average human only drinks about 2.5 cups per day. And while we have improved as a nation over the years, (soda was once the number one consumer beverage) 2.5 cups is not enough considering most of our body is made up of water.
Without proper water intake, our bodies succumb to dehydration. Dehydration is a serious health matter that can range from mild to severe, and occurs when you are losing more fluid than you are consuming. Those performing high-intensity activities are more susceptible, with side effects including muscle cramps, vomiting, dizziness and even loss of consciousness.
Besides keeping you alive, water also offers a number of benefits, including:
Many athletes turn to sports drinks as they provide energy and electrolytes to help you perform for a longer period of time. While we do not discourage these supplements, it’s important to be mindful that many sports drinks can be laden in sugar and caffeine, which lead to dehydration. Be sure to read the labels and choose sports drinks low in both sugar and caffeine.
Overall, hydration is good for your skin, health and physical performance in the gym, so what should you be doing to drink more of it? Here are a few simple tips:
If you have any other health questions our knowledgeable staff is happy to assist. And be sure to keep an eye out for pop-up nutrition classes at The Alaska Club.
Cheers!