Why Staying Hydrated Is So Important (And How Our Bottle Helps)

We all know the importance of eating well for our performance in the gym. But what we don’t hear nearly enough out is how to hydrate. Today, we want to remind you about the importance of hydrating adequately and exactly how to do that!

Your body is more than 60% water! H2O is clearly important for optimal health. Adequate hydration is especially important if you are an athlete or exercise regularly. When you exercise, you can lose up to 1-2% of your body weight in water through sweat very quickly. If you up your water intake before and during, you risk becoming dehydrated. Some symptoms of dehydration include:

• Increased heart rate and body temperature.
• Inability to focus or think clearly.
• Increased fatigue.
• Muscle cramps.
• Headaches and hallucinations.
• Decreased endurance and strength. 

So how much should you drink if you are an athlete or exercise regularly? The amount of water you need depends on many factors, such as your health, the weather, the type of clothes you wear, your exercise intensity and duration. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow:

• Generally, you should drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day regardless of whether you exercise or not. 
  
• 30-60 mins before your workouts, drink 2 cups. 
• During exercise, drink ½ to 1 cup every 15-20 minutes. 
• Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great source of water so make sure to consume lots of fresh produce daily. 
•  Decrease your intake of salty, processed foods. These will dehydrate you and increase your body’s need for water. 
• Avoid or limit caffeine intake as it is a diuretic.
• If you are exercising for a long duration or very intensely, consider rehydrating with natural electrolytes such as coconut water, electrolyte tablets such as Nuun or adding some sea salt to your water. Avoid sports drinks such as Gatorade that are just high in sugar. 

One of the best ways to ensure that you are drinking enough water is to carry a water bottle with you. Looking for the perfect reusable bottle to help you achieve your fitness goals? The Sweat Nation water bottle makes it easy! This lightweight and portable bottle is perfect for home use, sports, outdoor activities, yoga, the gym, or the office! Our beautifully designed water bottle is made from BPA-Free material, is leak-proof and durable. Most importantly, it comes with convenient timestamps to remind you to drink your recommended water intake throughout the day. Now that the summer heat has finally set in, do yourself a favour and fill yours up. 

And remember, when in doubt, HYDRATE!

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