HYDRATION GUIDELINES

HYDRATION GUIDELINES

July 25, 2022

During the warm summer months, easily preventable dehydration-related health crises can arise. With the temperatures soaring well above 95 degrees, especially here in South Carolina, it’s important to stay up to date on current recommendations for fluid intake before, during, and after physical activity (PA).

Impact of Hydration on Performance

A study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics evaluated the connection between dehydration and sports performance. Researchers found that dehydration resulting in a fluid loss equivalent to that of around 2-5% of the athlete’s body weight resulted in a decreased capacity to work (Work = Force x Distance) of 3% and a reduction of 5% in maximal aerobic power (VO2Max).

Effects of Dehydration

Insufficient intake of fluids during physical activity not only can damage your kidneys but can also have a systemic (full body) response. Some of the systemic impacts of dehydration are listed below:

  • Reduced circulating blood volume in the body
  • Decreased sweating which decreases your body’s ability to cool down
  • Increased core body temperature
  • Increased rate of muscle glycogen use, depleting supplies faster. Glycogen is the main source of energy for your body’s muscles

Fluid Intake Prior to Physical Activity

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA) currently recommends athletes consume at least 5-7 milliliters (ml) of fluid for every kilogram (kg) of body weight at least 4 hours prior (formulas to convert to fluid ounces are listed at the end). Closer to physical activity, approximately 2 hours before, the athlete should consume around 3-5 ml of fluid per kg of bodyweight. Sodium intake is also recommended before initiating physical activity. Sodium is known to stimulate thirst and help the body retain more fluids.

Fluid Intake During Physical Activity

During physical activity, the aim of fluid consumption should be to replace fluids lost due to thermoregulation – better known as sweating. The NSCA currently recommends athletes consume at least 90-240 ml of a solution that consists of 6-8% carbohydrates and electrolytes every 10-20 minutes.

Fluid Intake After Physical Activity

To put it simply, the goal of fluid consumption after physical activity is to replace what you lost. The aim should be to replace the water-weight lost and balance electrolytes. Athletes should ingest 600-720 ml of fluid per every pound of body weight lost during a bout of physical activity. Again, the fluids should be around a 6-8% carbohydrate-electrolyte solution or athletes should consume foods high in sodium and chloride with water. Listed below are foods high in sodium and chloride:

Sodium → smoked/canned/cured/salted meats, and salted nuts

Chloride → rye, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, seaweed, and celery

Calculate for Yourself

Fluid ounces to consume before PA = [(Weight in lbs/2.2)x 6] / 29.574

Fluid ounces to consume during PA = 3 to 8 ounces every 10 to 20 min

Fluid ounces to consume after PA = 22 ounces x lbs of body weight lost during exercise

 

Go to the Ascent Total Performance webpage and begin to Achieve Higher today.

By: Jackson Propst

PT, DPT

Jackson is a physical therapist at Ascent Total Performance in Columbia, SC.

(It should be noted that most of the words bolded in this article are links to the sources for this blog post.)

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