Hydration. How Important Is it and How Do You Stay Hydrated?

Hydration. How Important Is it and How Do You Stay Hydrated?

I took a fascinating class this weekend called “Stop the Bleed,” and the class was certified by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. We learned how to stop the bleeding but also discussed hydration at some length. I learned that everything the 2ALPHA Ammunition has in it was exactly what the class officer recommended to avoid dehydration and seek out if dehydrated. The body needs sodium, potassium, and magnesium, but the body needs to replace the amino acids being depleted during the body’s inability to cool or maintain the body's core balance.

As spring is almost here and the temps are rising, it is wise to start paying attention to dehydration.

Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Our bodies comprise about 60% water. Water plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removing waste from the body. When dehydrated, these processes are disrupted, leading to various symptoms and health problems.

Dehydration can occur for various reasons, including not drinking enough fluids, excessive sweating (such as during exercise or in hot weather), vomiting, diarrhea, or drinking too much alcohol. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can also increase the risk of dehydration.

Symptoms of dehydration can vary depending on the severity of the condition but may include:

  • Thirst
  • Dry mouth and throat
  • Dark yellow urine
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Dry or sticky mouth
  • Muscle cramps
  • Rapid heartbeat or breathing

In severe cases, dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.

If you point to the very first thing that determines your health and wellness, it might be water. Or, more specifically, drinking enough of it.

Depending on your weight and age, the amount of water in the human body ranges from 50-75%. The average adult human body is 50-65% water, averaging around 57-60%. The percentage of water in infants is much higher, typically around 75-78% water, dropping to 65% by one year of age. Source.

Those numbers make hydration critical for many of the body’s functions. 

What can happen to our bodies as we become dehydrated? 

FATIGUE

Water is the most vital source of energy in the body. Dehydration causes the enzymatic activity in the body to slow down, resulting in tiredness and fatigue.

ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES

When dehydrated, your body will restrict airways to conserve water. The rate of histamine produced by the body increases exponentially as the body loses more water.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

The blood is usually about 92% water when the body is fully hydrated. When dehydrated, the blood becomes thicker, causing resistance to blood flow, which results in elevated blood pressure.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

When the body is dehydrated, it will produce more cholesterol to prevent water loss from the cells.

SKIN DISORDERS

Dehydration impairs the elimination of toxins through the skin. It makes it more vulnerable to all types of skin disorders, including dermatitis and psoriasis, as well as premature wrinkling and discoloration.

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

A shortage of water and alkaline minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, can lead to several digestive disorders, including ulcers, gastritis, and acid reflux

BLADDER OR KIDNEY PROBLEMS

With a dehydrated body, the accumulation of toxins and acid waste creates an environment where bacteria thrive, resulting in the bladder and kidney to be more prone to infection, inflammation and pain.

CONSTIPATION

When short of water, the colon is one of the primary regions the body draws water from to provide fluids for other critical body functions. Without adequate water, wastes move through the large intestines much more slowly or sometimes not at all, resulting in constipation.

JOINT PAIN OR STIFFNESS

All joints have cartilage padding, which is composed mainly of water. When the body is dehydrated, cartilage is weakened, and joint repair is slow resulting in pain and discomfort.

WEIGHT GAIN

When dehydrated, cells are depleted of energy. As a result, people tend to eat more when their body is thirsty.

PREMATURE AGING

When chronically dehydrated, the body’s organs, including its largest organ, the skin, begin to wrinkle and wither prematurely.

CONCLUSION

Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, is essential throughout the day to prevent dehydration. If you exercise or spend time in hot weather, you may need to drink more fluids than usual to replace fluids lost through sweating. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of dehydration, it is essential to drink fluids and, if necessary, seek medical attention.

Remember, if you are thirsty, you may have waited too late to hydrate properly for your match, training, or exercise. Hydrate with 2ALPHA Ammunition and get the electrolytes, Amino Acids, clean carbohydrates, and ATP you need to avoid these symptoms and hydrate your body for maximum potential. Follow the 2ALPHA Ammunition supplement with 10-12 oz of water for every stage you shoot in a match, every 30 min to an hour when training on the range, or drink during your WOD.

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