Staying Hydrated - Why It's Important

Water is one of the most important things in this world. Did you know up to 60% of the human body is made of water? So it's no surprise that a lack of water can impact our body negatively. 

Harvard (2015) states:

"Drinking fluids is crucial to staying healthy and maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles. Fluids carry nutrients to your cells, flush bacteria from your bladder, and prevent constipation."

While there's been a lot of talk about the importance of water and hydration, many people don't take it seriously enough with many Australians failing to consume the recommended daily amount. 

 

 

 

It's not just important to stay hydrated for our body too. It helps benefit your body and lifestyle in a number of different ways. 

1. Helps to Maximise Performance During Physical Activity

Hydration, especially during exercise is crucial. Not just that, but your performance can suffer. 

According to Healthline:

"dehydration can have a noticeable effect if you lose as little as 2% of your body's water content. However, it is not uncommon for athletes to lose up to 6-10% of their water weight via sweat."

This can lead to: 

• altered body temperature control
• reduced motivation
• increased fatigue
• exercise feeling more difficult.

We recommend our BCAA's Intra Workout to help stay hydrated during your workout and to help fatigue and muscle recovery. Plus it has a tasty refreshing watermelon flavour! 

2. Has a Major Effect on Energy Levels and Brain Function.

Studies show that people experiencing over 1.35% of fluid loss after exercise had impaired both mood and concentration, increased the frequency of headaches, and increased feelings of anxiety and fatigue.

Ensuring you keep your fluid levels up while you exercise and after exercising will improve this greatly! 

3. Can Help to Prevent and Treat Headaches

In some individuals, dehydration can trigger headaches and migraines. 

I mean, have you ever had a headache come on towards the end of the day, and then someone asks you "How much water have you had?" and you're like "Um...."

Exactly! 

As well as this, a study has shown that water, although it had no effect on the frequency of headaches, it did manage to reduce to intensity and duration. 

4. Can Help Relieve Constipation 

We know, a crappy topic. 

But constipation is a common problem! 

Most treatments for it will recommend increasing fluid intake, as low water consumption appears to be a risk factor for constipation in both young and elderly individuals. 

5. Can Aid in Weight Loss

Water has been shown to increase satiety and boost your metabolic rate. 

Studies have shown that drinking half a litre of water has shown to increase metabolism by 24-30% for up to 1.5 hours. 

It is best recommended that if you drink water half an hour before meals, it can make you feel more full and you'll eat fewer calories!

 

Muscle Protein's got the tips and products for you to help you reach your goals and live your best, healthiest life.

Check out our store today to get a jumpstart on your goals.