Water is important to our bodies. Two thirds of the human body is made up of water, but sometimes it is easy for us to forget to drink enough. There are several advantages of drinking water. For starters water helps our bodies to metabolize stored fat. Water also acts as an appetite suppressant. When we consume enough water it helps our bodies to feel full, and makes us less likely to snack on unhealthy options.
Water helps our bodies get rid of waste and harmful toxins. This is especially important when we are dieting and trying to tone and shape our bodies.
When we exercise we loose water through sweat. Our body produces sweat in an effort to cool down. An excessive loss of water can lead to dehydration, which has several negative effects on the body. Dehydration is when the body looses more water than it intakes. Some symptoms of dehydration include thirst, muscle cramps, dry mouth, you may stop sweating, nausea and vomiting.
The suggested amount of water intake is eight to ten glasses of water per day; however this amount can vary depending on the amount of fluid loss. If you exercise a lot and loose more fluid through sweating, you should consume more water.
Staying well hydrated helps our bodies in several ways. It keeps the joints and muscles from becoming stiff and achy. It also boosts physical and mental endurance. A sufficient intake of water can also lead to better performance. When the muscles are not properly hydrated they are more likely to feel fatigued and perform poorly.
In order to stay properly hydrated studies suggest that you should consume 1-2 cups of water thirty minutes before exercising. You should drink water periodically throughout your routine, and after your exercise routine is complete. A great reminder to help keep you well hydrated is to always keep a water bottle with you.
Another great way to stay hydrated is to drink the
p90x peak recovery formula after each workout. Not only does it keep you hydrated but also helps sore muscles heal faster.