Staying hydrated during, and especially after, any kind of physical effort is very important. Our bodies need water in order to avoid all kinds of side effects caused by dehydration. People talk about sports drinks and energy drinks, but water has always been the healthiest choice.

Today, we are going to talk about the reasons you need to hydrate after a run and how this will help you achieve optimal results from your exercise efforts.

We are sixty percent water

It’s kind of surprising to learn that our bodies are about 60% water. The reason water is so abundant in our bodies is that it helps us eliminate waste, carries food through the body, nourishes cells, and provides cushioning and lubrication to our joints and other body parts.

Sweat is the key

Sweat is the ultimate defensive mechanism the body uses to avoid overheating. Think of a garden that is wilting under the full heat of a summer day.  Suddenly the sprinklers come on to save the day and the plants revive.

Sweat acts in exactly the same way for your skin. It’s a natural sprinkler system your body uses to keep you from overheating during exertion such as running, performing other forms of exercise and working. It is important to remember that, with running, the process of dehydration begins as soon as you start to run.

When you exercise, the body generates heat and this heat needs to dissipate if the core of your body is to stay cool enough to avoid any dangerous situations, such as dehydration.  Be sure to drink water regularly during exercise or other forms of exertion. And be especially careful to drink water plentifully afterward.

Dehydration is part of life

We all need to exercise and stay active if we want to be healthy; we all also tend to get dehydrated from time to time. Dehydration is something we all experience when we are active, but the key is to never let your body stay dehydrated for a long period of time.  Monitor your water intake either by using a manual counting method, or download an app that reminds you to drink water frequently.

Keep a water bottle with you at all times

Some people buy a bottle of water every time they go running, but by the time they complete their run, the water in the bottle is no longer cool-especially in warm weather. Drinking cool water after exertion is important because it helps lower your temperature at a faster rate.

There is a very simple solution to this problem: an insulated stainless steel bottle. The Kool8 stainless steel bottle works perfectly for me. It helps keep the water cool as long as I am out there running, regardless of the weather.  When the water is at the right temperature you will drink more of it and so be more likely to achieve complete hydration than with warm water from a plastic bottle.  There are also, of course, environmental benefits to keeping a reusable bottle.  So, while you save yourself by rehydrating after running or other forms of exertion, you also are saving the earth. This bottle is also featured on ‘Cool Things Chicago’ Magazine’s best water bottles roundup.

Signs of Dehydration

Recovery from dehydration is always essential.  Knowing when you are starting to experience moderate dehydration is just as important. Here is a helpful list of signs:

• Dry skin
• Dizziness
• Faster heartbeat
• Faster breathing
• Lack of energy
• Dry throat
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Excessive thirst
• Headaches

If you experience any of these signs, you need to make sure that you drink plenty of water in order to avoid any of the serious and severe complications caused by dehydration. Children and seniors have the hardest time dealing with dehydration, but anyone can suffer serious consequences regardless of age and health.

Other rare symptoms

• Some signs of dehydration are not so common, but hey have also been associated with a dehydrated body. They include fever, chills, muscle cramps and cravings for sweets.
• You might want to check your urine, too.  The color should be very light yellow.  If it gets darker, there is a good chance you are experiencing dehydration.
• You can also do the pinch test on the back of your hand. If you pinch the skin and it slowly goes back to its normal state, this is also a clear sign of dehydration.

Final thoughts

Now that you know about the dangers of dehydration, you should be able to prevent this condition every time you go out running. Keep a bottle of cool water with you and always look for the signs that tell you your body is becoming dehydrated.

Don’t forget to always drink water after running, even if you are feeling fine.  Simply by running, you already started the process of dehydration, so never allow your body to stay in this state for longer than a few minutes after you run.

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Related:
How to Increase Your Water Intake
Benefits Of Drinking Water
Do You Use A Water Purification System In Your Home