Bodybuilding Nutrition: Importance of Water

By: MuscleSports.net

Water travels throughout your body carrying nutrients, oxygen, and wastes to and from your cells and organs.

What happens when you go with out food for 7 days, your body begins feeding on itself for survival. What happens if you go without water for the same amount of time. Your DEAD! Water is one of the single most important nutrient we take in every single day of out lives. I t is the catalyst of the billions of cellular interactions in your body each and every hour. Like I said earlier you can go with other nutrients longer than 7 days but with water that is about the limit to your survival.

Why is water so important? The typical human adult body consists of approximately 60–70% water. A human embryo is more than 80% water. A newborn baby is 74% water. Everyday your body must replace 2 1/2 quarts of water. Since such a large portion of our bodies is water it play a vital roll in how we function. In you body, water's responsibilities include aiding in digestion and absorption of food, water regulates body temperature and blood circulation, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removes toxins and other wastes. We need lots of fresh water daily to stay healthy.

How much water do I need? The average human adult needs AT LEAST 8 (8 oz.) glasses of water per day, but a lot more water is recommended. There are no set parameter for how much you need because each and every person is different, but the recommended 8 glass a day is a good starting point for most adults. It stands to reason that if you are exercising and involved in physical activity your body is going to need more than the lowest recommended dosage of 8 glasses. The best way to judge your water consumption is by your urine color. If its a dark yellow than you need to drink more water. If it's clear with a slight yellow tint, then you're drinking plenty and should only adjust if your on a high protein diet. The extra water will help with the waste associated with the higher protein intake. Bodybuilders should always keep water with them through out the day and sip it when ever possible, because like I said your intake of extra protein makes this utterly important to keep your cell nourished and body toxins down.

Should I drink during my workouts? Drink as often as you can. Thirst is our your bodies way of telling us that it needs re hydrating, but you should truthfully never let your body get the stage of being thirsty. Thats why I recommend sipping water though out the day. Then when you sit down to have a meal and have that glass or two of water you will pretty much get your 8 glass a day and then some with out knowing it or being aware of it, as natural as it should be. You should also rehydrate with water before, during and after you exercise.

Start drinking more water about 2 hours before your workout (keep in mind that your body can only absorb about 1 glass(8.oz) of water every 20 minutes) and keep drinking right up until your workout. While your exercising, sip water every few minutes. I drink water between every set. DO NOT wait until the end of your exercise period and then gulp down lots of water as this is not good for you and could cause cramping and stomach upset.

Do I have to drink just water? This depends on where you live and the quality of the water you have. I prefer bottle water to sip while training and that what I recommend to everyone. Some people have water filters on their tap and can use that water. My feelings are that the drink has to be water based an not contain any digestible elements. Thats means no soda's or carbonated drinks, or sugar and caffeine loaded energy drinks during your workout. Energy drinks are kind of good before your workout but they don't last through your whole workout and the extra caffeine can lead to dehydration in some people. If your do need a little flavor and energy during your workout on of the best drinks is 1 scoop of Cytomax by CytoSports with about 24oz. of water. Taste great adds a little carbs to your drink and won't interfere with absorption.

Conclusion: Drink plenty of water everyday and you'll be just fine. Don't go overboard but stay well hydrated year round even in winter months as staying warm requires plenty of liquids as does cooling off!

Tags: Athlete Nutrition General Health Whole Foods