Why is water needed for peak physical performance, and how should someone adequately hydrate before, during, and after an event?

What will be an ideal response?


The body’s need for water is greater than any other nutrient, and water is the medium in which all life-supporting activities occur. If too much water is lost and not replaced, the body’s well-being is compromised and cannot function or operate at peak physical performance. Full hydration is imperative for every athlete both in training and in competition. The athlete who arrives at an event even slightly dehydrated begins with a disadvantage. Athletes who are preparing for competition are often advised to drink extra fluids in the days immediately before the event, especially if they are still training. The extra water is not stored in the body, but drinking extra water ensures maximum hydration at the start of the event.

To prepare for fluid losses, a person must hydrate before activity; to replace fluid losses, the person must rehydrate during and after activity. Hydration guidelines for before, during, and after events are listed below.

Nutritional Science

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