Athletes are particularly at risk when it comes to functional challenges caused by dehydration. “Physiologically, their core body temperature could be higher than it should have been if they were hydrated. Their heart rate will be higher, and they’re going to perceive that they’re working harder than they actually are,” said Susan Yeargin, assistant professor of athletic training in Indiana State’s College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services. According to researchers at Indiana State University, a high percentage of collegiate and professional athletes begin the season dehydrated, putting their health at risk even before they begin strenuous workouts. In fact, 80 percent of football players exhibited dehydration during pre-season physical examinations.

Just how much water is enough water might be a little confusing. Chiropractors, like almost all health care professionals, recommend at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water every day for many patients, however for our patients who are athletes, or for patients who carry around excess weight or exercise or work in a hot environment, we propose even more. There is a fairly simple way for you to be sure that you’re drinking a healthful quantity water. The color of your urine is a good indicator. You’re well-hydrated if it is a light, pale yellow!

Technorati Tags: back pain, chiropractors, drinking enough water, exhaustion, headaches, heartburn, hydration, hypertension