In the quest for peak performance, one of the most basic nutrients is one of the most overlooked. WATER. Muscles that drive performance are comprised of 75% water. Your brain that determines your movements is 76% water. Your bones are 25% water. Your lungs that provide oxygen are nearly 90% water. The blood that transports nutrients to your cells is 82% water.
The facts are quite simple. The most important nutrient for human performance is water.
The benefits of consuming adequate amounts of water are overwhelming:
* Neurological Performance
* Liver Function
* Metabolic functions improve
* Endocrine-gland function improves
* Appetite Suppressant
* Decrease chance of injury (quality of tissue)
* Detoxify
Numerous studies indicate that peak performance is dependent on hydration levels. A study at Ball State University took long distance runners and dehydrated them by just 2-3% (3-5 lbs. for a 165 lb. man). These athletes then ran their typical 10K runs, performance decreased by 7%. 7% on a 30 minute run adds a whopping two minutes to the total. Two minutes is the difference between first place and last place.
Dynamic Health & Fitness utilizes the guidelines of Dr. Batmanghelidj in suggesting that a person drinks half their bodyweight in ounces of water daily.
Water intake can increase if activity is higher or temperatures have increased.
Exercise And Fluid Replacement Guidelines
* Drink 17-20oz. Approximately one hour before activity
* Drink 7-10oz. About every 15 minutes of exercise
* Drink 20oz. Of water per pound of weight loss within 2 hours of activity
* Fluid should be cold because they empty from stomach quicker