Hydration is the process of providing liquids and specifically water to your body. During any physical activity, especially high intensity exercise, hydration is critical for normal metabolic function.
It is not uncommon to lose 1-2 quarts of fluids in an hour of intense cardiovascular oriented physical exercise and the replenishement of this vital lost fluid is crucial for proper metabolic function of muscles, nerves, and coordinated body function.
The use of sports drinks can be helpful to provide lost minerals. However, many sports drinks are laden with excess sugar and artifical dyes rendering them less ideal for optimal fitness and recovery. In most cases, athletes would have more effective results if they were to drink filtered water and have a small amount of fresh squeezed orange or lemon juice in the water bottle. In addtion, taking a high quality magnesium supplement with magnesium glycinate or citrate before regular exercise can significantly reduce muscle spasms and assist atheletic performance.
