Shannon Clinic Blog

It is often something that is overlooked or dismissed during endurance or intense physical activity, but hydration is incredibly important to performance and good health. As a general rule, for low to moderate exercise under 60 minutes water is sufficient to keep the body hydrated. For exercise over 60 minutes, electrolyte replacement is required. Having a drinking schedule is not recommended as this can lead to a condition called hyponatremia, which essentially saturates the body with water, resulting in a rapid drop in sodium levels. Hyponatremia can be very serious resulting in decreased conscious levels, seizures and comas. Drinking to thirst is a good rule to follow, but don’t wait until you are thirsty, as by that stage you are already dehydrated. This article explains why hydration is important for athletic performance.

How Being Dehydrated Impacts Your Workouts