In Western society people have adapted to drinking coffee, fruit drinks, soft drinks and other such products as a means of satisfying thirst.
What many people do not realize is that many of these drinks in fact dehydrate the body of water.
Everyone needs to intake the right amount of clean water each day to maintain proper function of our cells. Making up almost three-fourths of the body, every cell is regulated, monitored and dependent on an efficient flow of water. Not one of the processes in our bodies could take place without it. Water is critical for every single bodily function. It is necessary for blood flow, for oxygen delivery, for waste elimination, for nutrient transportation, for the functioning of every organ, and plays an important role in tissue quality.
Everyone needs to intake the right amount of clean water each day to maintain proper function of our cells. Making up almost three-fourths of the body, every cell is regulated, monitored and dependent on an efficient flow of water. Not one of the processes in our bodies could take place without it. Water is critical for every single bodily function. It is necessary for blood flow, for oxygen delivery, for waste elimination, for nutrient transportation, for the functioning of every organ, and plays an important role in tissue quality.
For CrossFitter's, water becomes vital for recovery as we battle muscle stiffness.
According to Kelly Starrett, DPT, creator of 'Mobility Wod," the baseline for water consumption is, "Drink half your body weight in ounces, MINUMUM." For example, 220lbs = 110 oz water.
Starrett's blog, Mobility WOD, stresses the importance of tissue quality and joint mobility and offers advise and guidance for many of the "issues in the tissues" that we as CrossFitter's might run upon.
He challenges his followers to take a "Dehydration Test." The Dehydration Test is to simply drive your thumb into the skin on your shin for about 5 seconds. Upon release there should not be a dent. If you do see a dent, it says a little about your tissues. They are dehydrated. Starrett's advice is to increase your water intake according to his baseline suggestion.
The water we consume must be clean and should supply the body with needed electrolytes. Dehydrated or not, EVERYONE should add a pinch of salt or sea salt or some type of electrolyte replacement to their water. The added electrolytes help the kidneys absorb water effectively instead of just flushing it straight through the water pipes.
As temperatures decrease, the tendency to drink more coffee and less water poses a big threat on your hydration levels and tissue quality. As a result, your performance may be affected. Please remember to stay on top of your hydration and electrolyte balance. Keep your tissues happy, healthy, and ready to preform; and as always, work on your mobility. Check out www.mobilitywod.com
