Fitness
Drink fluids before, during, and after exercising.
How much water and other fluids do you need?
To stay hydrated, your needs vary and depend on:
* How hard you exercise
* How long you exercise
* The temperature and humidity
* How much you sweat and how much weight you lose from sweat
Know the signs of dehydration:
* Severe thirst (sometimes)
* Headache
* Weakness
* Muscle cramps
* Dry mouth and eyes. Sweating may stop.
* Nausea
With severe dehydration, you may also feel very weak, confused, dizzy, or lightheaded. These symptoms require emergency medical care.
Action Step
To keep from getting dehydrated, drink water throughout the day. Drink sports beverages if you sweat a lot. Limit coffee, tea, and colas. Don’t rely on thirst alone to tell you if your body needs more fluid.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine