Hydration

Safety Tips: Hydration

  • Drink enough water, but it is a little more complicated than that.
  • During and after most physical activity, it doesn’t matter whether you drink water or sports drinks as long as you drink something to replace fluids.
  • For rehydration after short periods of routine exercise, water is fine.
  • After extended periods of exercise or exertion, sports drinks containing carbohydrates and electrolytes help prevent dehydration and restore important minerals that are lost when you sweat.
  • There is some supporting evidence that electrolyte/carbohydrate formulas may enhance performance, endurance and recovery, particularly for the elite/endurance athlete and after long-term strenuous activity, such as marathons and full triathlons.
  • If you drink too much water, there is the hazard of “water intoxication” and hyponatremia (low blood sodium)

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