HYDRATION IN PHYSICAL EXERCISE

VARIA

HYDRATION 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.