Category FAQs Search : Health
Question: What hydration means
Answer: The amount of water you need depends on a range of factors, such as climatic conditions, your health, your clothing, your exercise intensity and duration. So, being well hydrated will differ per person and situation.
As a guide, you probably need more fluid if:
- you sweat heavily
- you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease
- you have cystic fibrosis, which means you have a high concentration of sodium in your sweat
- you are using a medication that can act as a diuretic, causing your body to lose more fluid
- you have a bigger body size
- you are fit (because fitter people tend to sweat more and earlier in their exercise)
- you are doing vigorous exercise
- you are active in hot or humid conditions.
Thirst isn’t the best indicator that you need to drink. In fact, if you feel thirsty, you are probably already dehydrated.
A good test of dehydration is the colour of your urine. If it’s pale and clear it means you’re well hydrated. The darker it is, the more fluid you need to drink.
Another sign of dehydration is a lack of sweat during vigorous activity, when you expect to sweat. No sweating is a sign that you’re both dehydrated and probably suffering heat exhaustion.
(Source: Victoria State Government, 02 Dec 2020)
Source Link: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/Exercise-the-low-down-on-water-and-drinks