Adolescent Nutrition—Hydration
Friday, November 11, 2005Teenage athletes are all looking for something that gives them that competitive advantage. Dr. Ken Davis shares a secret in today’s 60 second housecall.
Water is just as important to athletic performance as food. When you sweat during exercise, it’s easy to become overheated, especially in hot or humid weather. Even mild dehydration can affect an athlete’s physical and mental performance.
Experts recommend that athletes drink before and after exercise as well as every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise. In general, most athletes need 1-2 cups of water prior to exercise and ½ to 1 cup every 15 to 20 minutes throughout exercise. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty, because thirst is a sign that your body has needed liquids for a while.
If you like the taste of sports drinks better than regular water, then it’s OK to drink them. But it’s important to know that a sports drink is really no better for you than water unless you are exercising for more than 90 minutes or in really hot weather. The additional carbohydrates and electrolytes may improve performance in these conditions. Give yourself that competitive advantage and stay well hydrated.
For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.