Stay Hydrated!

03 June, 2012

Health Nutrition

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Water is one of the healthiest drinks available to us as human beings. Drinking water allows the body to replenish and stay hydrated. Water is also an important element to any workout routine, as it helps us burn calories more efficiently. Read on to discover the importance of hydration for your body, and tips on how to stay hydrated.

Importance of Hydration

Hydration is important to our bodies, especially our brains. The body consists of about 60% water, while the brain is made up of more than 70% water. Staying hydrated, particularly during an exercise routine, can also help the body burn more calories than it normally would. When we exercise, we produce sweat, which is another way of saying our body is losing fluids. When we lose these fluids, we are also losing vital nutrients like potassium and sodium. It is important that we replenish these fluids in order for our bodies to regain their strength. During your workout, refuel at your gym’s water fountain or water cooler. This will allow you to get the most from your workout.

Tip: Water Everywhere!

Keep a water bottle with you at all times, or leave a cup by the water cooler at work. When you pass a water fountain, take a few sips. Make water a bigger part of your life. If water is a constant presence, you will remember to stay hydrated. In fact, change your routine so you pass a water fountain more often. Set reminders on your phone, on your calendar, or even on your laptop. Simple reminders or subtle hints can get your mind going and remind you to drink more water. Keeping record of the amount of fluids you take in can also help. Set a goal each day, and track how much fluid your body is taking in. All of these tips will help to remind you to stay hydrated.

Tip: Spice it up

While water is a healthy option, stopping by the water fountain or refilling from the water cooler is not always the most exciting option. True, water is beneficial to our health, but it is not the most flavourful of drinks. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to spice up a drab glass of water. Infusing drinks is becoming quite a fad, and there are even water bottles that are made with filters so that you can infuse your water with your favourite fruits. There are also a variety of water enhancement products that add a kick to any glass of water. Every now and then, enjoy water-filled fruits and vegetables instead of having a glass of water, just to give your palate a break.

Every day, our body loses vital nutrients and fluids. It is important that we take the time to replenish our body so that it can function properly and we can be healthy human beings. True, water can be a boring beverage, but it is certainly an important one. Take these tips, implement them into your everyday life and your daily water routine, and hopefully notice a difference.

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About Paul Stainthorpe

Running has been part of my life since 2011. While growing up I hated running and would do anything to avoid it at school. Give me a ball and a racket any day. It’s funny how some things change. I run for good. In 2012 I ran the 12 Days of Christmas for the Percy Hedley Foundation. In 2013 I attempted (with friend Lee Nyland), the 12 parkruns of Christmas for the Tiny Lives Trust.