Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Too Much Water?

An article from runningtimes.com

Water Belly vs. Oxygen Debt

Drinking too much might keep you from running your best

By Roy Benson

As featured in the June 2010 issue of Running Times Magazine

Many high school track runners seem over-sold on the importance of drinking lots of water. Here's some news: You are not going to become dehydrated while running just two or even eight laps around the track. That reality calls to question two aspects to hydration.

First, there is the issue of hydration for health purposes. Runners of every age need to keep in mind that the average-size adult needs eight glasses of fluids per day, not eight glasses of water, to meet the Recommended Daily Allowance for adequate hydration. Any fluids such as juices, milk, coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and, of course, sports drinks can help meet the RDA. Furthermore, foods such as apples, oranges, watermelon , grapes, celery, peppers, onions and even green leafy vegetables like lettuce can supply significant amounts of water. And don't worry too much about the "dehydrating" effects of coffee or caffeinated soft drinks. Those fears are over-exaggerated; you are not likely to urinate away as much fluid as you drink. If you are so worried, just drink enough plain water to make sure that your urine is clear at least once a day. For runners who sweat more than the average adult, it will obviously take more than the standard of eight glasses to meet the clear-urine rule.

Read on here.

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