You have probably already heard that the human body is about 60% water, but did you know the brain is a staggering 80% water? We’re made up of a lot of liquid, and the body loses 2-3 litres of this in an average day, which then has to be replaced for your body to function normally. That’s also before you start adding exercise into the mix, which will mean you need to top up your water intake to replace the extra water you lose when you workout. So, let’s find out more about the importance of hydration.
We do all know how vital drinking water is, but despite this, dehydration is common.
Dehydration
Water loss occurs all the time where the body meets air. This is particularly true at your body’s mucosal surfaces like your nose, mouth and lungs, which require moisture to function. You’ve seen the steam from your breath on a cold day. That’s actually water being lost from your lungs! This means, when you’re exercising, you’re not just losing water through sweat but even more you can’t see from heavier breathing. Now, obviously, this isn’t a bad thing but it’s important to remember to keep drinking throughout the day to replace these lost fluids.
But other lifestyle factors can contribute too. Around 95% of office workers do not drink enough water in the first place and compound the issue by drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea and sitting in an overly hot office. Many of us also just don’t make an active effort to stay hydrated throughout the day, and probably make things worse by having a few alcoholic drinks and eating very salty or sugary foods, which, while delicious, can also dehydrate you.
But why should we care? Even mild dehydration can cause significant cognitive effects like dizziness and headaches, difficulty with attention, memory and critical thinking. It can also lead to tiredness, fatigue and irritability. This all adds up to a less efficient and less pleasant you, really emphasising the importance of hydration!
Dehydration can also have a big impact on physical performance. 2-3% loss in body water content can significantly decrease VO2MAX (the maximum amount of oxygen you can use during exercise, used to establish aerobic endurance) and cardiac output. Water loss can also impact endurance, concentration and ability to regulate body temperature.
Is water enough?
Not really. It is possible to drink too much water and flush out useful nutrients from your body. If you’re going to the bathroom every 30 minutes, you can probably slow down on the water consumption. To hydrate yourself properly you also need electrolytes. You can get these through your food, but what exactly are they?
Electrolytes are minerals that are highly soluble in water thanks to their ionic charge. Because they dissolve so easily, they can whizz around to all the cells in your body, helping them perform their different functions. These include nerve, brain and immune system functions and more. You’ve probably heard that electrolytes are important after a good workout, but have you ever wondered why?
The short answer is sweat. You lose key electrolytes when you perspire, this is why sweat and a lot of sports drinks are a little salty. Electrolytes are also pros at regulating your body’s hydration levels. Phizz uses electrolytes to harness the combined power of ionic gradients and electrolyte transporters to help your body absorb more water and maximise your hydration.
It’s also important to remember that waiting until you’re thirsty isn’t enough, it’s too late at that point as this is one of the first signs of dehydration. Instead, you can tell if you’re properly hydrated by checking out your urine colour. Pale straw coloured urine is a reliable indicator of good hydration. If you see a darker colour, you need to drink more water. Getting into the habit of just drinking regularly is a great way of keeping hydrated without any other effort.
So, what is Phizz for?
Drinking enough water during the day can be a challenge and Phizz understands the importance of hydration. The Phizz formula was designed with sport in mind. It is created as a hydration amplifier, making the water you drink count for more. Its hypotonic solution ensures you rapidly absorb 2-3 times more than drinking water alone.
Energy is also key to exercise, and Phizz can help here too. Phizz contains a low-calorie hit of glucose, which is the main fuel source that powers you through your workout. The formula’s wide range of B vitamins are essential for energy metabolism and the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body.
Phizz contains the 5 main electrolytes lost in sweat, helping prevent cramping and muscle fatigue. Intense training can also negatively impact your body’s ability to fight infection. Phizz contains many ingredients that support the immune system, including vitamins A, C and E.
Did you know we have a member benefit available to you on AF Connect Online? Click here to save 20% on Phizz vitamin and hydration products.
