No Fluid, No Focus
Just two hours of vigorous yard work or exercising in the summer sun without drinking fluids could be enough to blunt concentration, according to a new study published this month in the Journal Medicine and Science in Sports.
After statistically analyzing data from multiple peer-reviewed research papers on dehydration and cognitive ability, researchers at Georgia Tech found that cognitive functions often “wilt” as water departs the body. Functions like attention, coordination, and complex problem solving suffer the most.
The times we feel we are losing focus and might reach for an energy drink or cup of coffee, we need to think about hydration and electrolytes to restore lost concentration and vitality. On hot summer days, even a 2 percent weight loss from fluid can affect focus, athletic ability, and concentration. Proper hydration after exercise is not just about quenching your thirst but also replenishing lost electrolytes and assuring that cellular uptake of water is accomplished.
How much water is enough?
The Institute of Medicine advises that healthy people can use their thirst as an indicator for how much water they need to eat or drink. As weird as that sounds (eat your water), many foods contain in excess of 86% water! Some examples are watermelon, tomatoes, cantaloupes, apples, celery, and cucumbers.
Heat and exertion can be a concern for seniors who, as they age, have reduced thirst sensation and whose bodies do not manage heat very effectively.
As we age, our body’s water volume decreases, and we are likely to become dehydrated more often and more swiftly. As we age we also are likely to have been prescribed various medications for chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and heart problems. These medications can cause dehydration or could even be diuretics with the intention of removing fluids via increased urination.
Children are not getting enough water either. The Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found in the first national study of its kind that dehydration could be running kids down. More than half of all children and adolescents in the U.S. are not hydrated enough.
Dr. Ronald Roth, the team physician of the world-famous Pittsburgh Steelers, also recommends that on especially hot days, those of us exercising “make a plan” before working out to avoid potential dehydration. Roth warns against overdoing things and taking in too much water, which can lead to a dangerous condition when there’s too much water compared to the amount of electrolytes in the body.
The Dangers of Dehydration
Dehydration is caused when the body loses fluids and electrolytes faster than they can be replaced. Despite your age, dehydration is unhealthy and can be debilitating if not addressed with proper nutrients and fluids.
Dehydration can lead to loss of focus and mental energy, evidenced by the study at Georgia Tech, but also to deficiency in our muscle and nervous systems. Proper muscle contraction is reduced and cramping occurs either during or after even moderate exercise.
Sports Drinks and Salt Tablets are not Enough
In fact, sports drinks and salt tablets often contain the wrong ingredients for proper rehydration. The IDLife Hydrate formula delivers a carefully researched and designed “complex” of vital electrolytes, vitamins, antioxidants, MCT’s, minerals, and energy nutrients. IDLife Hydrate was designed to address hydration and its essential components of electrolyte depletion, cellular uptake, kidney and cardiovascular health, and proper nutritional support for the body’s muscle and nervous systems.
The IDLife Hydration Formula addresses these issues by supplying the electrolytes Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium that are most often lost during workouts or athletic events. These minerals make the muscles and nerves work properly and when there is a deficiency it can lead to subpar exercise performance and other health issues.
Another mineral that should not be forgotten here is Chromium, a mineral that helps control blood sugar and insulin levels. Studies show that endurance exercise increases urine loss of this vital mineral.
IDLife Hydration Formula includes several complimentary nutrients that help assure cellular uptake of minerals, including Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2 and Taurine. These nutrients help transport and stabilize electrolytes in and between the cells.
Coconut water serves as the Medium Chain Triglyceride source that reduces lactic acid buildup and maximizes electrolyte uptake. In itself, coconut water is superior to water in hydration since it too contains electrolytes.
Vitamin C and Taurine serve as excellent antioxidant support to reduce free radical damage and oxidative stress. Taurine helps prevent muscle protein breakdown, regulates fluid in the cells and helps muscles produce peak force during workouts; all while countering fatigue and speeding recovery.
The Take Home
Many dream of a healthy, lean, muscular body. Like anything worth having, dreaming is not enough as you must commit to a disciplined exercise and training regimen that includes appropriate nutrition and hydration support.
The IDLife Hydration Formula delivers the nutrients and electrolytes needed to keep you hydrated along with ingredients to assure cellular uptake of those same ingredients to be certain your cells stay hydrated and nourished.
The Georgia Tech study, along with others, demonstrates the need for proper hydration for not just muscle, nervous system, and physical performance but also to maintain focus, concentration and energy.
No fluids, no focus. Drink up and drink often.
