Sunday, July 27, 2008

staying hydrated

approximately 55 -65% of your body weight is water. Proper balance between water and electrolytes determines how our body functions. Staying hydrated is extremely important, especially when exercising in the summer. A few facts:


watery foods, such as soup, yogurt, and fruits (an orange is 90% water) count toward your daily water needs.

if you are properly hydrated, you should have to use the bathroom every 2 to 4 hours and your urine should be light in color.

your body hides mild dehydration very well. Headaches and cramping are common late signs of dehydration.

a 2% drop in body water can cause dehydration, and a 3 to 4 percent drop can cause physiologic changes, such as an increase in heart rate and body temperature.

-excerpted from Living Well, Atlanta Medical Center

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