I'm always amazed at how many people seem to know the answer to this question yet in practice they fail. Everybody I've talked to seems to know that 8-12 glasses of water a day is the recommended standard. But if I ask them how many glasses of water have you consumed today? The answer is usually none. Or the other standard answer at a corporate environment "does coffee count?"
While 8-12 glasses of water is great for the average sedentary person, many of us are fitness conscious or on the pursuit of some type of bodybuilding physique. With that in mind, I think the new standard for us should be 1-2 gallons of water a day.
As a bodybuilder, you are putting much more nutrients, food, supplements, and other stuff into your body. What your body does not use, it must rid itself of by any means necessary. Usually it does this via water. So drinking plenty of water becomes a necessity. Increasing protein puts a strain on your body and drinking lots of water can keep things "moving." Creatine monohydrate supplementation requires a lot of water. Creatine is all about cell volumization. Making sure your cells are completely hydrated helps with the volumization process. NO2, a hemodilator, requires water. Many other supplements require water as a transport and a flushing method.
The side effects of drinking too little water are an excess buildup of certain chemicals. Creatine can leave behind some buildup that overtime, becomes a bit hard to pass. Putting such a strain on the body is also self-defeating. But don't get me wrong, it's not just about Creatine and NO2. It's about making sure you are hydrated.
Being properly hydrated has it's benefits other then just the flushing methods and cell volumization discussed above. Your state of alertness is affected by your hydration levels. Performance in the gym by a hydrated body is enhanced. Your body is roughly 70% water. It makes sense to hydrate it. Drinking water is not just for hot days. It's for intense workouts in the gym. In fact, being hydrated has that perpetual pump that is so sought after.
There can be too much of a good thing. Drinking water to excess leads to water intoxication, referred to as hyponatremia. As you consume water, blood plasma increases and dilutes the salt content of the blood. While this is happening, you lose more salt by sweating. Consequently the amount of salt available to the body tissues decreases and over time, the loss interferes with brain, heart and muscle functions. Water intoxication is more commonly found in endurance athletes.
Drink plenty of water per day, but just keep in mind, there can be too much of a good thing. Being properly hydrated is necessary for optimum performance in the gym and for keeping your body performing well.
Marc David is a bodybuilder, writer, and author of the the e-book "The Beginner's Guide to Fitness and Bodybuilding" (BGFB): What Every Beginner Should Know but Probably Doesn't. Marc has written over 20 articles and has been featured in several health and fitness websites. Marc's opinionated and informative articles on bodybuilding, weight loss and training are featured regularly on: http://www.freedomfly.net
To subscribe to Marc's free b-weekly e-zine, visit the Freedomfly website here: http://www.freedomfly.net
Eating out when you are on a restricted diet always... Read More
Most people understand that it is wise to limit the... Read More
During the Second World War, the Germans used fluoride as... Read More
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed.... Read More
Better sleep = better metabolism. I have been saying it... Read More
I read a lot about the topics of health and... Read More
There are so many topics to discuss which affect our... Read More
Some fats are good for you. Your body can't function... Read More
It is a question we must ask ourselves continually if... Read More
Finally, a positive solution regarding America's difficult and costly campaign... Read More
Proper hydration is extremely important during exercise. Adequate fluid intake... Read More
Your healthOrganically grown fruit and vegetables are not covered in... Read More
The importance of protein in diet has been clearly established... Read More
Unhealthy eating is a harmful problem in America, and contrary... Read More
Studies support the benefits of eating a diet rich in... Read More
Copyright ? 2004 priya shah Glutathione, the body's... Read More
Healthy eating is important for everyone, from babies to the... Read More
With new research, new products and new skin protection advice... Read More
Detoxifying the body has become an apparent key preventative measure... Read More
If you do not take time to stand back at... Read More
With all the news about Splenda of late and the... Read More
You wouldn't judge a book by its cover, would you?You... Read More
The dangers of processed foods and diets Why is that... Read More
With so many people concerned about natural and organic foods... Read More
OK, no more excuses. Here's how to stop making everyone... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Bannockburn ..The body is a marvelous creation, a carbon, oxygen combustion... Read More
1. Water. If you're thirsty you're already dehydrated. The majority... Read More
I'm 40-something years old, and for 40-something years breakfast has... Read More
Recently, trans fats have risen to the forefront of the... Read More
Everyone can benefit from understanding how food affects our... Read More
The quality of food we eat (or lack thereof) has... Read More
Millions of people around the UK consume dairy products on... Read More
Did you know that much of our dry skin comes... Read More
Most of us eat at restaurants for a variety of... Read More
I am sure you have heard you have to build... Read More
The confusion about eating healthy and dieting will now be... Read More
Did you know that the food you eat could be... Read More
Bright white teeth and fresh breath does not necessarily... Read More
Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a... Read More
With the array of different diets and diet foods available... Read More
What if you could actually slow your rate of aging,... Read More
America's major dietary deficiency - EFA a panacea for good... Read More
Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to the development... Read More
Liquid vitamin mineralThe liquid vitamin mineral dietary supplement is a... Read More
Did you know the average American gains 5-7 pounds every... Read More
FOOD (Macro-nutrients)One of the most important aspects of hill walking... Read More
Apart from eating many of the wonderful vegetables and fruits... Read More
Scandinavian fishermen are a healthy bunch. It had long been... Read More
Being vegetarian is one of the greatest things in the... Read More
Some of the things you think you know that just... Read More
Nutrition |