• Benefits of Fluid For Body

    Date: 2009.10.04 | Category: Health | Tags: ,,

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    Fluid needs for athletes, luci
    Fluid intake is important for high level performance and to prevent dehydration

    For athletes adequate intake and replacement of fluids is needed to promote the healthy, safety and optimal physical performance when participating in regular physical activity.(1)

    While water does not provide any direct energy to the body it is recognized by many as the most essential nutrient. This is because most functions in the body are dependent on water. Athletes have an increased need for water due to waters role in the transportation of oxygen and its role in body temperature regulation.
    Fluid Needs Prior to Exercise

    It is important for athletes to drink adequate amounts of fluid prior to exercise to help maintain body temperature. Athletes who start exercise with low body water stores have a faster rise in body core temperature and greater cardiovascular strain. Both the duration and intensity of exercise can be decreased if sufficient fluids are not taken prior to exercise.
    Fluid Needs during Exercise

    Adequate fluid intake during excise is very important to replace water that is lost due to sweating. Poor fluid replacement can lead to dehydration. Athletes should not just depend on thirst as a predictor of fluid needs. Research shows that most individuals only replace about two-thirds of the water lost from sweat when only using thirst as a guide.

    An athlete should be encouraged to consume the maximal amount of fluids during exercise that can be tolerated without gastrointestinal discomfort. Increasing the palatability of the fluids is one way of improving the intake of fluids. Temperature and flavoring can help improve intake. Beverages that are sweetened and cold are most likely to be the most palliative. The addition of a carbohydrate to the fluid can also help enhance the absorption of the water and help restore muscle glycogen