A few of our favorite sports are back in session. As the players head back on the field, dehydration and sports injury are a major concern.
Dehydration can include dizziness, confusion, headaches, exhaustion, dry lips, dry mouth, increased body temperatures and more.
Although the weather may be cooler, it’s still important to stay hydrated as 75 percent of Americans don’t drink enough water. As an athlete, the stakes are even higher. Dehydration is extremely serious, especially when playing high-intensity sports.
Decrease in Performance
For an athlete, it’s all about the game. Losing as little of 2 percent of your body weight in fluids, can cause decreases in performance. As an athlete, it’s important to know your body and take care of it. If you’re playing a high-intensity sport and experience intense sweating, take a break and stay hydrated.
Mental Fatigue
Small drops in body weight caused by dehydration can lead to dizziness and fatigue. According to A. Vogel, even mild dehydration can impact your mental state. Dehydration can cause the feeling of exhaustion. Dehydration can make you sleepier, because your blood pressure can drop thus decreasing blood flow to the brain. It can also cause mood swings making you more irritable and prone to emotional outbursts.
Injury
Staying hydrated has so many benefits. It improves circulation, blood pressure, body temperature, controls cholesterol levels and improves brain function. It can even prevent injuries. According to Coastal Orthopedics, your body needs both water and electrolytes to support normal muscle contractions. When you sweat heavily, you lose both, which cause cramps. Dehydration can also cause cartilage wear and friction in the joints.
Major Health Concerns
Dehydration that is more than 3 percent of your body weight is extremely serious. It increases the chances of heat exhaustion and stroke. It can also impact the kidneys and heart. Many of us don’t drink enough water, but assume this won’t happen to us. An easy way to explain severe dehydration’s impact on the body, when you have less fluid in your body, your heart has to work even heard to pump blood. This means, your cardiovascular system is working harder than it should be. Dehydration can also make it harder to regulate body temperature and can impact anyone no matter their background.
Now that we understand dehydration’s impact on sport performances, how can we prevent it? Always have your Glasstic water bottle on hand. If you’re forgetting to drink water, set reminders on your phone. A lot of people find the taste of water bland, in comparison to sodas and sugary juices, so they aren’t motivated to drink more. Try making it a challenge or a goal. For example, the 100oz challenge is very popular. So, remember to stay hydrated and good luck!
