Hydration during exercises
Medical researchers have revealed that our body can cope with mild dehydration. The research also suggested that sports drinks are necessary only in lengthy endurance events.
John Brewer, researcher at the St Mary’s University said that the reduction in body weight associated with water loss could have a beneficial impact on some endurance runners, adding that athletes could train themselves to cope with mild dehydration.
Brewer further added that each litre of fluid lost equated to approximately one kilogram of body weight, and this meant that the athlete was carrying around less weight and that had a positive impact on endurance performance.
Brewer also pointed out that the sugar added to sports drinks to increase the body’s absorption of fluid were necessary only for lengthy endurance events. However, it is always best to keep the body as hydrated as possible, and even simple, plain, clean and hygienic water would do.
It is not uncommon to find cramps go away while doing strenuous exercises just by drinking water as soon as cramps appear.
For a normal office-goer, who is not into endurance training and is engaged in exercises just to maintain reasonable fitness, it is important to breathe well during the exercises and take sufficient water. This will prevent any exhaustion both during and after the exercise.
Written by: Dr. Ajay Sati.
