Everyone knows that hydration is key to good performance. The thing everyone doesn’t always know is how to achieve optimal hydration. It is recommended that a person drinks half their body weight in ounces of water each day. In theory a 200 pound person should consume 100 ounces of water throughout their day. Another way to approach it is to use the eight by eight rules. This means that you have eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day. Making sure you are properly hydrated ensures that your body functions will work the way they are supposed to. You are also helping with cardiovascular health when maintaining hydration. Another added benefit to drinking enough water is that it will actually make you feel stronger! When your body is properly hydrated your joints are lubricated which helps to decrease any pain in the joints.
While knowing the benefits of proper hydration is important, it is equally important to know what can happen due to a lack of hydration. Dehydration can cause the brain tissue to shrink, causing fogginess a lack of energy and a lack of focus. Feeling drained or tired is actually one of the first signs of dehydration. When someone is dehydrated it can also lead to a change in mood or mood swings. This is because dehydration can have a neurological effect on feelings such as confusion and frustration. Remember that next time you feel in a funk, and remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated!
