Let's Review Hydration Rules

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

29 May 2007 01:36 PM

Last summer I wrote an article on hydration and it's time to review those rules especially after the radio show tragedy that occurred when a mom died from drinking so much water during a radio contest to win a Nintendo Wii for her children. Hydration is really important for your health and your fitness goals.

So as the days are getting ready to heat up and we're going to want to do our best to promote good health through the hotter months of the year, let's talk about hydration and what we need to do to maintain our summertime fitness.

The American Water Works Association provided the following suggestions for maintaining your hydration health:

• Do not take salt tablets
• Take breaks from your workout if you begin to feel severely fatigued, lightheaded or dizzy
• Start every day with an 8 ounce glass of water
• Drink water before, during and after your workout
• Be sure to hydrate every 20 minutes or so during your workout - I like to just keep a full water bottle and drink as I get thirsty

Drinking plenty of water is a good plan because it helps to flush the toxins out and replenish your natural water supply - especially when you are sweating as you will when you work out. Pay attention to what you are eating too, because you get a lot of water from fresh fruits and vegetables.

Watch your caffeine intake, specifically around the time of your workout because caffeine is a diuretic. Diuretics tend to counteract the water intake by encouraging you to shed more water. There is water in your coffee, tea and soda - so that does count somewhat. Be sure to hydrate, but don't over-hydrate because the last thing you want is water poisoning.

How do you maintain your hydration over the summer?

Related Articles:

Too Much Water

Prevent Dehydration While Working Out

Exercise With Caution: The Heat Can Kill

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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