What is hypohydration and Hyperhydration?

Both a lack of adequate fluid replacement (hypohydration) and excessive intake (hyperhydration) can compromise athletic performance and increase health risks. Athletes need access to water to prevent hypohydration during physical activity but must be aware of the risks of overdrinking and hyponatremia.

What does hypohydration increase?

Hypohydration increases heat strain, reduces heat tolerance and exercise performance and increases risk for heat injury. Hydration level is the most important factor influencing exercise-heat performance since hypohydration negates the thermoregnlatory advantages ofhigh physical fitness and heat acclimatization.

What are the effects of hypohydration?

Hypohydration causes greater heat storage and reduces one’s ability to tolerate heat strain. The greater heat storage is mediated by reduced sweating rate (evaporative heat loss) and reduced skin blood flow (dry heat loss) for a given core temperature.

How can hypohydration affect performance?

Aerobic exercise tasks are likely to be adversely affected by hypohydration; and the warmer the environment the greater the potential for performance decrements. Hypohydration causes greater heat storage and reduces one’s ability to tolerate heat strain.

Why is hydration important for sports performance?

As athletes exercise, the core body temperature rises. In response, the body sweats to dissipate excess heat so it doesn’t overheat. Staying hydrated replaces the water lost through sweating and is essential for thermoregulation, helping to prevent cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

How does super hydration affect sports performance?

Most of us are aware of the benefits of keeping hydrated. Not only does it increase energy levels and promote optimal brain function, but being hydrated can also help maximise your sporting performance.