The importance of hydration

Approximately 40-75% of the body is water. It is comprised of 2/3 within our cells (Intracellular) and 1/3 outside our cells (Extracellular). The amount of water we store depends on our hydration status and on the amount of at mass we have. The more fat we have the less water we actually store.

Water helps with so many functions

in the body. It aids digestion starting within the mouth to form saliva and converts food to components we need for survival. Along with helping with breaking down food, it also assists with flushing away body waste, mainly in our urine, and transports nutrients through the body.

It might be obvious to some, but water helps maintain blood volume and temperature, whilst regulating the bodies temperature through sweating and respiration. The more hydrated we are the easier it becomes for our body to deliver oxygen all over our body, giving structure of body tissue and organs.

Have you felt stiff and tired when you are dehydrated? This is because water helps lubricate our joints and supports optimal function and movement along with acting a s a shock absorbs for the brain and spinal cord.

Dehydration occurs when, when fluid loss is greater than fluid intake. If we become dehydrated it can affect our blood volume by reducing it, along with decreasing the blood flow to the skin and increasing body temperature.

If we exercise, whilst dehydrated, it can increase the rate of perceived exercise (RPE) and reduce exercise capacity and intensity, therefore we fatigue quicker. Slight dehydration will not affect performance, however if you are playing a sport, technical decision making maybe affected.

A key sign to know you are dehydrated is thirst and passing dark-coloured urine. This follows with a dry mouth and lips, dizziness and feeling lethargic. So moral of the story is, check your pee and drink at least 2 litres of water per day!

Here is a handy guide to help you check your pee, thank us later!