“Drinking water, we have found, is perhaps the most undervalued source of physical energy renewal. Unlike hunger, thirst is an inadequate barometer of need. By the time we feel thirsty, we may be long since dehydrated. A growing body of research suggests that drinking at least sixty-four ounces of water at intervals throughout the day serves performance in a range of important ways. Dehydrate a muscle by as little as 3 percent, for example, and it will lose 10 percent of its strength and 8 percent of its speed. Inadequate hydration also compromises concentration and coordination.”
– Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz
On this page, I will explore how hydration affects our energy levels.
Below I will explore the science of how dehydration affects fatigue. I will read articles and books by the experts to find out what advice they can offer us. Then I will experiment with applying those tips and tricks to my own life. Finally, I will make my conclusions about what seems to work best from what I’ve found.
- I drink about 120oz/day of water, plus various caffeinated beverages and various beverages at dinner.
- I have noticed that I sweat more than most people.
- I also urinate more frequently than most people (and always at least once during the night, sometimes two or three times). I’m curious if their is a link between frequent urination and fatigue (presumably due to dehydration).
- I also feel the natural urge toward electrolytes due (I’m hypothesizing) to my body’s need to hold onto water. I usually add one scoop of sugar-free electrolytes to my 32oz glass of water in the morning.
- I plan on interviewing a urologist about possible links between
The Science – how it affects our energy
- How does the body use water to create energy?
- Why is water so important?
- Does it have to be water or do other drinks hydrate as well?
- Why do I pass water so quickly? How can I improve absorption?
The Research – tips & tricks from the experts
I am basing my research on the book Quench by Dana Cohen, MD, and Gina Bria.
The Experiment – applying tips & tricks in everyday life
I plan on experimenting with:
- creating a hydration schedule where I ensure I get the same amount of water each day
- eating more hydrating foods
- using a diffuser at night
- adding stretching to my daily routine
- adding more movement into my day
- drinking water before each meal
- drinking 20 oz. of water as soon as I wake up
- trying creatine as a supplement
Conclusion – how things turned out
Coming soon.