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The Importance of Hydration in Athletes


Many of the patients that we see come through our clinic are involved in sport; ranging from professional level through to weekend warriors!. As we move into the winter sporting season, we want to reiterate how important it is to keep your body hydrated during sporting activity, even during the colder months!

So, why is it so important to stay hydrated as an athlete?

Whether you're a serious athlete or a recreational exerciser, it's important to make sure you get the right amount of water before, during and after exercising. Water regulates your body temperature, lubricates joints and helps transport nutrients for energy and health.

It is amazing to see how far athletes can push their bodies but without proper hydration the body strains itself and is not bale to perform to its highest capabilities. That being said, many athletes and active individuals do not know much about hydration outside of knowing that you need to drink water while you exercise. There is much more to hydration than simply drink water during workouts.

If you’re not properly hydrated, your body will be unable to perform at its highest level, and you may experience fatigue, muscle cramps or dizziness as your body is dehydrated. Dehydration happens when you lose more fluid than you drink. When your body doesn’t have enough water, it can’t work properly. Dehydration can range from mild to severe. The signs of dehydration can include:

  • Dizziness or light-headedness

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Muscle cramps

  • Dry mouth

  • Sweating stops

All of these symptoms can decrease athletic performance as well as lead to more serious health issues. In order to combat the dangers of heat illness, athletes must be dedicated to a rigorous hydration schedule so that their bodies are well prepared for the strain of practice, workouts and match day. Key factors to think about when developing a hydration plan include: pre-workout hydration, workout hydration, post-workout hydration and resting hydration. If you are unsure if you are staying hydrated during sporting activities our experienced osteopaths will be able to provide you with a hydration schedule best suited to your body. For more information on how to stay hydrated don’t hesitate to contact one of our osteos at the clinic.

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