Hydrate at the right time and in good quantity!
Romain Backes
This shows how much water, which makes up 60% to 70% of our body, is a vital element for our organism. But why is it so necessary? How does it work? And how can we consume it to best benefit from its advantages? This is what we will see in this article.
WHEN SHOULD WE DRINK WATER?
It is important not to wait until you are thirsty to drink; a good habit is to drink small amounts throughout the day. It is indeed preferable to drink regularly and in small sips rather than large amounts at low frequency. It is more comfortable for the stomach and digestive comfort.
Pregnant women prone to nausea can limit their discomfort by avoiding drinking during and near meals.
For athletes, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking half a liter about two hours before an activity, then continuing to drink regularly throughout the workout, preferably fresh water (between 15°C and 22°C). In the case of intensive activity lasting more than an hour, it is recommended to consume an energy drink to replenish the body with carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DRINK TOO MUCH WATER?
Apart from a few rare cases of blood problems encountered in marathon runners or cyclists during intense sporting events, excessive water consumption does not pose any health risks.
However, it is advisable to remain vigilant because beyond 5 liters of water per day without physical effort, water causes the concentration of sodium in the blood to drop, which can cause cerebral edema in the most serious cases.
Furthermore, excessive water consumption can be a sign of diabetes. In any case, if you consume too much water, it is advisable to consult a doctor to ensure that it does not pose any health risks.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T DRINK ENOUGH WATER?
Insufficient water consumption leads to dehydration. A water loss of 1% to 2% of body weight means that the body is already dehydrated.
Certain signs such as dark urine, dry mouth and throat, dizziness, fatigue or even dry skin can alert you to possible dehydration.
And if water loss reaches 15% to 20% of body weight, dehydration is considered a cause for concern and poses serious health risks. This is why It is essential to monitor infants for diarrhea and to hydrate them very regularly. Older people are also prone to dehydration because they feel less thirsty than adults.
As you will have understood, hydration and water consumption are really important things. You can find all our filtered water fountains from the Stéfani brand which will allow you to better manage and control your own hydration!
