Importance of proper hydration
The importance of proper hydration during exercise cannot be understated, especially when exercising for an extended time. In regards to a triathlete, hydration becomes crucial, as athletes who participate in triathlons consistently eliminate high levels of bodily fluid (think sweat), and this can lead to dehydration, which not only impedes optimal performance, but can be outright dangerous for health.
Remember, if you’re thirsty you’re already dehydrated! #RunwithPower 🆘💧@trimancd13 A game changer for me and my hydration regimen! As athletes or just regular hard working people, we all need to stay hydrated.
What is hydration and why is it so important? Hydration is the process of providing an adequate amount of water to body tissues and it is important due to a plethora of reasons, such as regulation of body temperature, the delivery of vital nutrients to the body, and its pertinence to healthy organ function. Hydration, in conjunction with its qualities during exercise, influences the promotion of healthy sleeping habits, helps with cognition and is vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
By contrast, dehydration, especially if not addressed, can lead to a host of ailments, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heatstroke, seizures due to electrolyte loss, low blood volume, kidney failure, and even coma.
Also read: What are electrolytes?
With many considerations involved concerning sweat volume, a primary goal of an athlete is to know whether or not he or she is sufficiently hydrated, which is ever more important for athletes who participate in triathlons. This can be done in several ways: either by weighing themselves before and after exercising to determine the weight variation representing the bodily fluid loss, or by analysing their urine (volume, colour, frequency of urine excretion).
Replacing Lost Electrolytes
It becomes obvious that staying properly hydrated is essential to achieve and sustain optimal performance during the rigorous activities of a triathlon. The consumption of water is the most common avenue taken to stay properly hydrated. Water serves as a lubricant and a cushion for joints. Water helps in digestion, helps prevent constipation, and water raises the body’s metabolism.
However, while essential, water is not sufficient for a good hydration during an intense workout. During a triathlon, key chemical elements like calcium, phosphorus, salt, potassium, and magnesium are excreted while sweating. They are called electrolytes and they are essential nutrients and minerals of great importance to a variety of bodily functions. Electrolytes regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue.
Replacing lost electrolytes during a triathlon is clearly of great importance, both for maintaining health and for achieving maximum performance over a sustained period. Many high-level athletes consume electrolytes before and during exercise, to help in maintaining hydration and performance.
This is our focus at SOS Hydration, to offer an electrolyte drink designed to help athletes stay adequately hydrated during triathlon training, or during multi-sporting events when the body’s need to be hydrated is at its apex.
SOS Hydration electrolyte drink is designed for those who train regularly to prepare for multi-sporting events and triathlons. The goal of the SOS Hydration electrolyte drink is to help an athlete train hard, perform at peak levels, and enjoy life.
SOS Hydration electrolyte drink is right there with you in the water, on the bike and on the road, helping you to win! If you want to learn more, make sure to visit our shop today.
