Hydration: The Essential Fuel for Humans
Several recent studies have shown that almost half of men and women do not drink enough water in a day. This means that this "almost half" of individuals are voluntarily or involuntarily setting aside a part of their vitality, energy, and performance. Thus, sipping water regularly throughout the day should be your resolution for 2017 (yes, there is no bad time to make resolutions). Water is the key to staying slim, optimizing your performance and endurance during physical efforts, and preventing the usual mid-afternoon slump. The human body naturally loses between 2 and 3 liters of water per day. Logically, this loss needs to be compensated... whether you are a soldier, a regular athlete, or a hiker, your performance is linked to your hydration, so do not underestimate this factor!
The Real Question: How Much Should We Drink?
Studies recommend that a woman should drink about 2.6 liters of water per day and 3.6 liters for a man. This seems huge when said like that, but beverages like coffee, tea, 100% fruit juices, soups, and certain vegetables (melon, cucumber...) can help reach this daily total. In fact, the IOM (Institute Of Medicine) estimates that about 20% of our water intake comes from our diet, and the remaining 80% comes from the beverages we consume between meals. But be careful, these figures are valid for a person in a normal environment (e.g., at the office). If you are at high altitude, in a hot or humid area, or engaging in significant physical activity, you naturally need to increase your water consumption. Staying hydrated is important and will help you stay in top shape.
How to Have Water on Hand?
How to Have Water on Hand?The answer to this question is relatively easy. If you are a field professional, you can refer to our article on the different ways to carry water. But if, on the contrary, you are from the civilian world, you have access to a wide range of simple products that can accompany you throughout the day. For example, there are many sporty-looking water bottles that will allow you to stay hydrated at the office or outside without altering the taste of your drink.
Should We Drink Hot When It's Cold?
It is known that hydration plays a crucial role in regulating your body's temperature. But do hot drinks generate heat in the human body? The short answer is simple: it will not warm your body. However, it is a good way to encourage yourself to stay hydrated in cold areas. A hot drink will briefly warm your hands, mouth, and stomach. But this warming effect will not be felt throughout your body. Nevertheless, drinking something hot is still a good way to respond to the dehydration process when exercising in the cold. As you warm up by moving, you will feel like you are not thirsty. But like any physical effort, your body will "consume" fuel. This effect is even more pronounced if you are at high altitude. It may seem basic, but it is always important to drink something you enjoy. So try to keep your coffee/tea/hot chocolate within reach!
10 Things About Hydration to Never Forget:
1) Sports studies have shown that a 1% fluid loss can slow a human by 2%. 2) Cold can hide dehydration. So stay warm and hydrated! 3) Lack of hydration can affect your mood. Feeling a bit grumpy? Drink! 4) Beware: dehydration happens faster at high altitude. 5) Often, a slight feeling of hunger actually hides the beginning of dehydration. 6) Your skin is the first part of your body to lose water. Want to keep your skin looking young? Drink! 7) Water is the fuel for your body. Never run on empty! 8) Good hydration will improve your performance: your heart rate will stay lower, longer. 9) If you feel thirsty, you are already starting to dehydrate. 10) Drinking is the best remedy to fight the afternoon slump.
We hope this article will be useful to you, feel free to ask questions or share your experiences in the comments!