August is well underway, which means many individuals are involved in various outdoor activities. This is great for both mental and physical health, though the increase in activity and warm temperatures can make it a bit more challenging to ensure we are consuming the proper amount of fluids to support both health and physical performance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Inadequate fluid consumption can lead to hypo-hydration, commonly called dehydration. Even at small relative levels of dehydration (2-3% body weight loss), many individuals will experience negative effects such as early fatigue, cognitive and mood impairment, trouble tolerating heat, headaches, and nausea. Limiting net fluid losses to less than 2% of body weight is recommended to help minimize the risk of these negative effects.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Exercise is commonly associated with dehydration, but did you know it is possible to consume too many fluids as well? Over-hydration (hyponatremia<\/a>) is not nearly as common as dehydration but can be every bit as serious. It is caused, quite simply, by drinking too much fluid\u2014and at its most extreme, can cause death. Hyponatremia is more likely to take place during low-intensity endurance exercise where individuals may be making concerted efforts to \u2018stay hydrated,\u2019 unaware that they are drinking too much.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n So, how much fluid do you need to maintain balance during activity? This is not as straightforward as you might think. Everyone sweats at a different rate, and this is highly dependent on the environment (temperature, humidity, etc.), individual fitness level, as well as the intensity of the activity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFluid Recommendations<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n