Exercise & Dehydration

Exercise & Dehydration

By Josephine Dalton (aka Trainer Jo)
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We all know training is good for your health, but we should keep in mind that, just like everything else, too much training can be risky.

Dehydration is a consistent problem experienced amongst individuals of various forms of training. It normally happens when a person is training intensely to perspire but does not replenish the lost water by consuming more water.  Thus creating a hydro-deficit or dehydration.

In the majority of situations, it can be avoided by consuming water or sports liquids such as GatorAde or a natural electrolytic beverage such as young coconut water.  However, individuals with more excessive workout routines may consider getting consuming electrolytic beverage to avoid muscles pain, complications, light-headedness or passing out.

An electrolyte is a substance that helps with the chemical stability and water balance on either side of cell walls. Electrolyte liquids contains high amounts of two key minerals: sodium and potassium. These liquids are the best way to balance the body’s hydration levels during and after excessive training, exercise or just profuse sweating due to heat.

Electrolytes are generally not needed for light workout routines but you may want to consider getting plenty of it if you experience queasiness, or inebriation.  Electrolytes are also strongly suggested in serious bouts of food poisoning, alcohol intoxication or diarrhea due to excessive water loss from the stomach and colon.

When consuming electrolytes, it’s suggested to consume an electrolyte product that has at least 2 electrolytes.  And over-consuming a product of just one electrolyte can cause problems including death.

Trainer Jo Suggests : VitaCoco brand coconut water  or O.N.E. Or any other band from young coconuts and not the sugar-laden drinks you find in Asian food stores.  Make sure to check out the nutritional facts label for potassium and sodium.  Typically, you want one where there is more potassium than sodium.

Distilled water, seltzer waters, sodas, sports drinks such as GatorAde are not suggested due to the corn syrup content and other unnatural & unhealthy filler materials and food coloring.