Hydration!
Hey Guys, last week I gave you a hint on the topic for this week and that hint was water. If you guessed the topic was hydration, then you were absolutely on the button. 😄 So we are going to talk not just about water but fluids in general. Let's begin!
As Caribbean people, when it comes to fluids we have a variety of beverages that are special to us with drinks like sorrel, mauby and fruit juices just to name a few. However, whether you are from the Caribbean region or from another territory, I'm sure when you hear hydration you automatically think of water. Though this is not a bad association, it is important to note that other factors come into play when it comes to keeping the body hydrated.
Beverages synonymous with the Caribbean are seen in the images below.
Keeping our bodies hydrated is very important as three quarters of the human body is made up of water (fluid). As mentioned before hydration does not hinge upon water only, but electrolytes are also greatly important for keeping the body hydrated. Electrolytes are electrically charged substances within in the body which you know as your sodium, potassium and calcium just to name a few. Water together with these electrolytes help to maintain fluid balance within the body and help carry out other bodily processes such as keeping fluids inside of cells, digestion, temperature regulation (sweat) and muscle activity. The most important electrolyte believe it or not is sodium, because where sodium goes, water goes. Whenever the body loses water sodium and other electrolytes are also lost with it. Therefore it is important to not only ensure that you replace water when it is lost but also your electrolytes.
It is recommended that women drink at least 9 cups of fluid per day and that men drink about 13 cups of fluid per day (due to greater lean body mass). With regards to electrolytes, luckily most of them are found in the food you consume. However, special attention needs to be paid when you are exercising for extended periods of time whether you are an athlete or fitness enthusiast as you lose lots of fluid and electrolytes especially when performing cardio type physical activity. These persons should consume sports drinks or electrolyte infused drinks to remain properly hydrated. To try to meet your daily fluid needs I advise that you pay attention to your water intake and try to meet recommendations and do not be afraid to incorporate fluids other than water into your hydration routine, but limit those sugary beverages. For persons who have a hard time drinking substantial amounts of water you can try fruit or herb infused water. Also from the fluid recommendations I say a maximum of 2 cups should be beverages other than water.
So now that you know more about hydration, go forth and conquer your fluids with confidence.
Until next time ciao! 😗
Ps: Think balance for our next topic.
As Caribbean people, when it comes to fluids we have a variety of beverages that are special to us with drinks like sorrel, mauby and fruit juices just to name a few. However, whether you are from the Caribbean region or from another territory, I'm sure when you hear hydration you automatically think of water. Though this is not a bad association, it is important to note that other factors come into play when it comes to keeping the body hydrated.
Beverages synonymous with the Caribbean are seen in the images below.
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| Lime Juice |
 |
| Mauby |
 |
| sorrel |
It is recommended that women drink at least 9 cups of fluid per day and that men drink about 13 cups of fluid per day (due to greater lean body mass). With regards to electrolytes, luckily most of them are found in the food you consume. However, special attention needs to be paid when you are exercising for extended periods of time whether you are an athlete or fitness enthusiast as you lose lots of fluid and electrolytes especially when performing cardio type physical activity. These persons should consume sports drinks or electrolyte infused drinks to remain properly hydrated. To try to meet your daily fluid needs I advise that you pay attention to your water intake and try to meet recommendations and do not be afraid to incorporate fluids other than water into your hydration routine, but limit those sugary beverages. For persons who have a hard time drinking substantial amounts of water you can try fruit or herb infused water. Also from the fluid recommendations I say a maximum of 2 cups should be beverages other than water.
So now that you know more about hydration, go forth and conquer your fluids with confidence.
Until next time ciao! 😗
Ps: Think balance for our next topic.
This was really insightful and so important for us folks living in the tropics!
ReplyDeleteThis breakdown was excellent thanks so much..
ReplyDelete