MuscleDog.com - Connecting you to a better body!

Advertisement

The Hydration Series Part I: Water, Water, Everywhere!

 
  • The Hydration Series Part I: Water, Water, Everywhere!
  • January 07, 2010 03:42 PM
  • Quote
  • Reply

Part One of a clinical nutritionist’s look at one of the leading cause of fatigue in everybody, and what you should do about it.


What single substance is r…
Click here to read the full article

 
 
 
  • RE:The Hydration Series Part I: Water, Water, Everywhere!
  • June 15, 2010 12:03 PM
  • Quote
  • Reply
“But on the flipside, there is such a thing as TOO much water. Also called hyponatremia, it occurs when you drink too much water, diluting the electrolyte concentration in your body leading to dangerously low concentrations of sodium in the blood leading to cell malfunctions. Although not as common as dehydration, this form of over hydration can also appear in hard working athletes (especially endurance runners). The common symptoms of over hydration would be swellings, nausea, and dizziness.”
 
interesting about hyponatremia and how over-hydrating could be a bad thing.  so, what is considered to be too much water?  is it that the athlete would be very thirsty and drink too much too quickly or can you over-hydrate over a duration of the day?  just curious…
 
 
 
  • RE:The Hydration Series Part I: Water, Water, Everywhere!
  • June 09, 2011 09:33 AM
  • Quote
  • Reply
great article and so important on days like these (supposed to reach 100 degrees in nyc today)!!

here is another great blog about the importance of H2O:

http://www.muscledog.com/blog/view/96/DRINK_YOUR_WATER_AND_STAY_HYDRATED

you can also get “overhydrated” so be careful….

http://www.muscledog.com/blog/view/460/OVERHYDRATION
 
 
 
  • RE:The Hydration Series Part I: Water, Water, Everywhere!
  • July 28, 2011 10:42 AM
  • Quote
  • Reply
1. Are You Getting Enough?
 
Do not count coffee and soda when tallying up your daily water intake. In fact, they function as diuretics and strip the body of this much needed nutrient. When this occurs the body then fights to retain water levels causing bloating (see point#4). Conventional wisdom tells you 6-8 glasses of water is enough per day. If you’re training for an unconventional physique, you need more. Aim for at least half your bodyweight in ounces a day. Adjust this amount dependant on your level of conditioning and intensity of training.
 
2. Water Clears Out Toxins
 
Water flushes out toxins and other metabolic waste products from the body. Water is especially important when following a “high protein” diet, as it helps remove excess nitrogen, urea (a toxic substance), and ketones (by products of protein synthesis). If weight training to increase definition (tone) you will need even more water to help your kidneys do their work.
 
3. Water Helps Metabolize Fat
 
Without enough water your kidneys will not function properly. When this happens, some of the filtering workload is transferred to the liver. The livers main function is to metabolize stored fat for energy. If the liver is doing both jobs, it will process less fat. Studies have shown that consuming 2 liters throughout the day leads to increased calorie burn on a daily basis. Water also mitigates feelings of hunger.
 
4. Water Reduces Fluid Retention
 
Contrary to popular belief, drinking water can actually help you shed excess water weight. When water is in short supply the body stores it in extra-cellular space. This storage can lead to bloating. If water retention is a chronic problem, it may be because there is too much salt in your diet. Read your food labels and try to consume less than 2400mg per day. The higher your sodium intake the harder the body will work to retain its’ precious resource (water).
 
5. Water Keeps You Regular
 
Too little water, and your body pulls it from various organs including the colon. When this occurs it can lead to constipation and impeded digestion.
Keep water in mind as you work, live and play. Take small steps every day to reach the “Best” version of you!
Written By: Andre Farnell