As an athlete, I have always been taught how important water is for you and your body to get the proper nutrition and vitamins it needs. “Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones. Water has no calories, so it can also help with managing body weight and reducing calorie intake when substituted for drinks with calories, such as sweet tea or regular soda.Water helps your body: Keep a normal temperature.Lubricate and cushion joints.Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements”(https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html#:~:text=Water%20helps%20your%20body%3A,%2C%20perspiration%2C%20and%20bowel%20movements.) I have seen and learned the consequences of not drinking enough water. When I am constantly doing workouts and running and burning calories, I have to intake even more water than normal.
“Although there is no recommendation for how much plain water everyone should drink daily, there are recommendations for how much daily total water intake should come from a variety of beverages and foods.Daily total water intake (fluid) is defined as the amount of water consumed from foods, plain drinking water, and other beverages. Daily water intake recommendations vary by age, sex, pregnancy status, and breastfeeding status. Most of your fluid needs are met through the water and other beverages you drink. You can get some fluids through the foods that you eat—especially foods with high water content, such as many fruits.”(https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html#:~:text=Water%20helps%20your%20body%3A,%2C%20perspiration%2C%20and%20bowel%20movements.). I have learned that you can also get fluids through other healthy ways such as some fruits.
The more you workout and eat, the more intake you are going to need. From looking at the website above, I have learned many more things that water helps with other than hydration. I think as human beings, I believe knowing the importance and worth of water to us is very important. A question you might have in your head is how good is gatorade or powerade for you then? “Sports drinks are advertised to increase endurance and replace nutrients lost during intense exercise. But are they necessary?
These drinks contain electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium, as well as simple sugars (some may be sugar-free). However, these nutrients are generally only lost in large amounts during high-intensity exercise for one hour or more. Sports drinks may be useful for people doing intense exercise for a long time, especially if they’re sweating a lot. But for non-athletes, sports drinks are simply another sugary beverage.Most people should drink water, not sports drinks, during their workouts.”(https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/why-its-important-for-you-to-drink-water-and-stay-hydrated/2022/07). As an athlete, I have always drank sports drinks. They are my go to if I do not want water and if I want something sweet while working out that will also refresh me.
Another question you might have is about drinking too much water or over-hydrating? “Most people are familiar with what dehydration is and how it happens. But is overhydration possible? Overhydrating happens when someone drinks large amounts of water, which can alter the levels of electrolytes in the body like chloride, sodium, and potassium. Not drinking enough fluid (dehydration) can lead to symptoms like thirst, flushing, fatigue, and fast breathing. In contrast, drinking too much fluid (overhydration) can cause nausea, headaches, cramps, weakness, and confusion.For most people, dehydration is a greater risk. But if you are concerned about or having symptoms of overhydration, talk to your doctor. Ask your healthcare team about how much water you should drink each day.”(https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/why-its-important-for-you-to-drink-water-and-stay-hydrated/2022/07). As said above, you have a certain amount of water you should drink based on your age, weight and gender. Clearly, you do not want to drink too much water, but more is better than less. You do not want to be dehydrated because it can do some really bad things to you and your body. Water is always going to be your best, and even cheapest option when it comes to drinks. “You have many drink choices out there. At the end of the day, water is the first-choice beverage for best hydration. Drinking the right amount of water for your personal health and activity level is important. Try healthy add-ins like fresh mint, sliced cucumber, or lemon wedges to add flavor and variety to your water.”(https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/why-its-important-for-you-to-drink-water-and-stay-hydrated/2022/07).