During training practices and sports matches, the evaporation of sweat from the surface of the skin becomes a normal process. It is actually great for the body as it helps maintain the body temperature. However, too much sweating leads to loss of valuable fluids from the limited reservoir within the body.  The sweating rate varies from individual to individual based on clothing, environmental conditions and intensity of exercises.  But dehydration is an alert sign.  An athlete becomes dehydrated if his/her sweat loss exceeds the fluid intake.  Dehydration of even 1% to 2% may adversely impact the health of an athlete. It gives birth to illnesses like: heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke that disturbs the physiological functions.

Hence, it is imperative to understand the importance of hydration for athletes. So, here we come up with the top 7 advantages of hydration for an athlete:

Monitoring the hydration status is vital for an optimal athletic performance. Hydration supplements help improve blood circulation and deliver oxygen to various working muscles. The contracting muscles get adequate supply of nutrients and remove waste to perform better. It also helps lubricate joints and thereby strengthen muscles.

Kidneys need sufficient water to filter waste from the blood and then excrete it through urine. The hydrated body never gives birth to kidney stones and urinary tract infections. So, if you are hydrated, your kidneys will always work in great condition, causing no toxins to get build up within the body.

During training sessions and long standing matches, it is obvious that you may face tiredness and laziness, leading to decrease in alertness and concentration. Even mild or moderate dehydration makes you feel low energized. But sip of fluids amidst matches and training practice, will keep the body lethargy at bay. Your energy level pumps up, and you enjoy your playing as well as training time more.

You may give damn about your skin, because you wear confidence on your sleeves, thanks to your never dying spirit for the Sports! Your best performances make you feel soar high. But skin is the important part of your personality. Don’t ignore it. Being the largest organ of the body, you really need to pay attention towards it. Drinking optimal water throughout the day is the easiest way to keep your skin in the healthy condition. It is the free gift of God, cherish it to the most.

Water plays an important role in boosting brain function. Various studies have given a proof that even a mild dehydration – 1 to 2% may cause decrease in cognitive function. The mood remains low and it affects the Sports performance too. However, regular drinking water increases nervous system function making you become more alert and responsive during Sports performance.

Saliva keeps the mouth moist that helps in fast digestion. Problems like constipation, heartburn and stomach ulcers get avoided. When the digestion functioning goes well, you feel fresh and concentrate better on Sports.

Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contains around 80 percent water. Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints’ shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain creating a massive loss for athletes from physical front.

Small volume of urine, lack of energy, irritability, sudden decline in performance, dry lips and tongue are the major symptoms of dehydration. If you face any two of them, it’s time to get alert. Make necessary changes in your lifestyle in terms of fluid consumption for better athletic performance. But it is important to drink optimal amount of fluids. Excess water intake is also harmful. It may lead to lower sodium levels that may further lead to cramps, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, etc. Balance is the key. Embrace water in a right way, bringing healthy and happy life.