VARIAHYDRATION
IN PHYSICAL EXERCISE
Anca Ionescu, ,
Brandusa Siirghi, MirelaVasilescu
University
Carol Davila Bucharest, University of Craiova, Romania
Fluid replacement during sports
activities helps to maintain hydration before, during and after
exercise, promote health and physical performance. The goal of drinking
during exercise is to prevent excessive (2% body weight loss from water
deficit) dehydration and excessive changes in electrolyte balance to
avert compromised performance. Because there is considerable
variability in sweating rates and sweat electrolyte content between
individuals, customized fluid replacement programs are recommended.
Individual sweat rates can be estimated by measuring body weight before
and after exercise. During exercise, consuming beverages containing
electrolytes and carbohydrates can provide benefits over water alone
under certain circumstances. After exercise, the goal is to replace any
fluid electrolyte deficit. The speed with which rehydration will
determine the replacement program.
