Water is essential for life. It's no secret that water is important for our health, but what about our fitness journey? Is water equally as important when it comes to working out and reaching our fitness goals? The answer is a resounding "yes!"
In this article, I will discuss: How important is water in your fitness journey? I will cover why we need water, what is dehydration and its impact, the benefits of staying hydrated, its effect on bloating, skin and digestion, and I’ll provide tips on how to make sure you're getting enough H2O each day!
Water Makes Up a Large Percentage of Our Bodies
Our bodies are made up of 60% water, give or take. This means that every single system in our body depends on water to function properly. Water helps to regulate our body temperature, carry nutrients and oxygen to our cells, remove waste from our bodies, and so much more. It's no wonder that we need to make sure we're staying hydrated throughout the day. You can learn more about it from many resources online and from books.
When we exercise, our bodies use even more water than usual. We sweat to cool down our bodies and lose water through respiration. This is why it's so important to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after a workout. If we don't replace the water that we've lost, our bodies will start to feel the effects of dehydration.
Dehydration Can Impact Our Performance
Dehydration can cause a whole host of problems, both physically and mentally. When we're dehydrated, our blood volume decreases and our heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout our body. This can lead to fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, and even headaches. Dehydration can also make us feel irritable, anxious, and unfocused, and it can have a profound impact on our sleep quality.
Dehydration also has a major impact on our workout performance. This is true for strength as well as endurance training. To perform well, it's essential to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise to avoid these negative effects. When it comes to working out, water is our best friend!
Benefits of Staying Hydrated
Not only does proper hydration help us avoid the negative effects of dehydration, but it also has a whole host of other benefits.
When we drink enough fluids, our bodies can perform at their best. We have more energy, we think more clearly, and our muscles recover faster.
Drinking plenty of water is also crucial for weight loss. When we're properly hydrated, our bodies are better able to metabolize fat and use it for energy. This means that we'll see better results from our workouts if we make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind For Staying Hydrated
When it comes to staying hydrated, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you're drinking enough fluids throughout the day. The recommended daily intake of water is eight glasses, but this may vary depending on your gender, age, activity level and the climate you live in.
It's also important to choose the right type of fluids. Water is always the best option. Some people find it helpful to carry a water bottle with them everywhere they go. This way, they're less likely to forget to drink fluids throughout the day.
Sports drinks can also be beneficial if you're exercising for a longer period of time or with more intensity. Sports drinks contain electrolytes that help to replace the ones we lose through sweat. There is also a range of foods that contain valuable electrolytes.
Finally, be mindful about consuming substances that promote water loss in your body like caffeine and alcohol. These substances (also called diuretics) can promote dehydration by causing us to lose more fluids than we take in.
Water Reduces Bloating
Water can help to reduce bloating by getting rid of excess sodium in your body. When we drink fluids, our bodies increase urine production. This helps to flush out excess water and sodium that contributes to bloating. If you're struggling with bloating, make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water is always the best option, but herbal teas can also be beneficial. Just avoid tea and coffee that contain caffeine as this can exacerbate bloating, as I mentioned before. Still, bloating isn't always caused by dehydration. If you're struggling with chronic bloating, it's best to speak to a doctor to rule out any other underlying causes.
Water Keeps Our Skin Healthy
Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial for keeping our skin healthy. When we're properly hydrated, our skin is better able to protect itself against environmental damage. Proper hydration also helps to keep our skin looking young and radiant. If you want to keep your skin looking its best, make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. If you know that the air in your house is too dry, you can also try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This will help to keep your skin from becoming dry and irritated. Your skin can also benefit from using a quality moisturizer. Choose one that contains hyaluronic acid as this will help to lock in moisture.
Proper Digestion Needs Water
Water is essential for proper digestion. When we drink fluids, our bodies can break down food more efficiently. This means that we're less likely to experience bloating, gas, and constipation.
If you're struggling with digestive issues, make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water is always the best option, but herbal teas can also be beneficial. Avoid too much tea and coffee that contain caffeine too late in the day as this can exacerbate some digestive issues and also impact your sleep quality. If you're having troubles and it does not seem to improve, it's best to speak to a doctor or nutritionist who can help you identify the root of the problem. Some people find it helpful to add more fiber to their diet. This can be done by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Others find that probiotics are beneficial for gut health. But it’s very often individual, so I recommend to consult an expert.
Water Helps Fight Sickness
When we're properly hydrated, our bodies are better able to fight off sickness. This is because water helps to keep our immune system functioning properly. So, make sure you drink enough water.
You can also try adding some lemon to your water as this can help to boost your immune system. Also, do not add too much as this can have the opposite effect and promote dehydration. Greens powders can be an interesting option too.
It's also important to stay away from sugary drinks -- or junk food in general -- as they can weaken your immune system. The best way to fight off sickness is to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest and recover well. If you do start to feel ill, make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Water Helps Reduce Fatigue After a Workout
Water is essential for reducing fatigue after a workout. When we sweat, we lose fluids and electrolytes that need to be replaced to avoid dehydration. Drinking water before, during, and after a workout can help to ensure that our bodies have the fluids they need. It's also important to consume foods that contain electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. These can be found in sports drinks, but many people prefer to get their electrolytes from natural sources such as fruits and vegetables.
How Important Is Water in Your Fitness Journey?
It’s pretty clear.
Water is life.
Drinking plenty of water is crucial for a successful health and fitness journey. Like I outlined in this article not only water helps fighting sickness, improves your skin, reduces fatigue, and improves digestion, it’s is the key ingredient for well-being.
Make sure you're getting enough H20 each day by carrying a water bottle with you, drinking before and after exercise, and choosing the right type of fluids.
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