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How Much Water Do I Need?

It's a shame we can't all be camels!  Unless you are a camel, then you need lots and lots of water everyday.  Camels have this crazy ability to go several days without drinking water even in the hot, dry desert.  They lose water slowly and can replenish large amounts in a matter of minutes.  Because you are not a camel you will need water every single day to live: in fact most people need more than they drink to feel better, think better and work out better.  And the good news is you can meet your daily water needs by drinking good old H2O, other flavoured beverages, juices and even by eating foods like fruits and vegetables.

Cool fact:  The human body is 2/3 water.

What does all this water do in your body?  Believe it or not it's the main ingredient of blood.  Water is also found in ALL of the billions of cells of your body because cells need water to transport nutrients in and waste products out.  Water helps to lubricate your joints (like knees and elbows) so that they move easier.  Water helps to digest food and move it through your intestinal tract.  It forms the basis of urine that helps waste flow from the body.  Water also helps you breathe properly.

Another cool fact: Water helps regulate your body temperature so you don't get too hot or too cold.  When you "heat up" (like from playing ball or cycling, or just sitting around on a hot day), you sweat - and sweat is water.  Sweat helps your body temperature stay normal.  As you can see, water works hard in your body!

What About Waiting Until You Are Thirsty To Drink?

Unfortunately, that doesn't work.  The body's thirst mechanism was not built very well.  What this means for you is that you don't feel thirsty until you are already slightly dehydrated, or when your body is already a little bit short on water.  So the simplest advice is drink, drink, drink- water that is.  And drink whether you are thirsty or not.

Do I Need More Water When I Work Out?

Yes, you do but remember that the body is really weird sometimes.  When it needs water, you might not even feel thirsty at all.  Instead you may feel tired, dizzy, have a headache or feel sick to your stomach.  
  • Drink before exercise (especially hot, heavy work) rather than waiting until partially dehydrated.  Frequent small drinks are preferable for the athlete as a large volume of water sloshing round the stomach is likely to disturb the athletes comfort and concentration.
  • Sweat losses of two litres per hour are possible.  Work output is best maintained if body H2O balance is kept as close as possible to normal.

More Water Tips:

  • Carry a water bottle on your bike or in your backpack.
  • Drink beverages without caffeine before, during and after exercise.
  • Stop by the water fountain at school or at work whenever you can and take lots of sips!
  • Drink fluids throughout the day.
  • Keep fresh water in your room by your bed, in the car, wherever you are.
  • Drink when you're not thirsty.
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