Nutritionist Kinita Kadakia Patel, metabolic reset and body transformation specialist, told HT Lifestyle that hydration is much more nuanced than simply drinking more water.
This advice can be reductive, especially for athletes, because proper hydration also involves maintaining the right balance of fluids and electrolytes. But first, she addressed the common performance roadblock: dehydration. It does not solely happen because of limited water intake.
The nutritionist stated that dehydration can show up in several different ways and does not happen only during intense workouts. It can also be influenced by diet or training conditions. Here is a comprehensive list of signs, as shared by the expert, that may indicate dehydration:
Kinita also cautioned that sweat loss and dehydration can affect athletic performance in several ways, including:
The expert emphasised that rehydration for athletes cannot include plain water alone.
“You need to have a strategic plan that combines electrolyte-rich fluids along with water,” she said.
When it comes to frequency, she said that it can vary depending on the sport a person plays. However, she shared some basic thumb rules that can help athletes get started:
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.