In short, hydration is a 24 hour process, always drink lots of water.

4 minutes ago, theguru said:

In short, hydration is a 24 hour process, always drink lots of water.

Good point!

1 hour ago, Tigerpride94 said:

 

I just did a really intense (intense for an old man) workout outside in the heat for 45 minutes.  I was a 1 right before the workout and a 2 after it.  I would also say to everyone, I probably drink more water than 98% of the population. 

21 minutes ago, theguru said:

I just did a really intense (intense for an old man) workout outside in the heat for 45 minutes.  I was a 1 right before the workout and a 2 after it.  I would also say to everyone, I probably drink more water than 98% of the population. 

That's good. Kids typically don't drink enough water nor do adults. 

Just now, Tigerpride94 said:

That's good. Kids typically don't drink enough water nor do adults. 

I agree, it is rare among people I spend a lot of time with for me to believe they drink anywhere near enough water.  I preach a little and then let them vent all their excuses to me.  In short, a lot of people don't care for plain water.  Fortunately for me it is my favorite. 

My son was a right guard.  He was disciplined enough to begin drinking water as soon as he woke up in the morning.  He never had cramps or was dehydrated during a game.  More of our athletes should follow that same pattern.

15 minutes ago, nkypete said:

My son was a right guard.  He was disciplined enough to begin drinking water as soon as he woke up in the morning.  He never had cramps or was dehydrated during a game.  More of our athletes should follow that same pattern.

Excellent point on cramps, I would go on to say almost anyone experiencing cramps is dehydrated.  

I try to drink plenty of water each day, but I probably don't drink anywhere near the suggested amounts I've found online.  According to the Mayo Clinic men should drink 15.5 cups of water a day and I've found other sources which suggest that a person should drink .5 oz per lb.  Either of those ways I never come close most days.  I think I'd be in the bathroom most of the time if I did.  I don't drink that much of any liquids combined except for when I'm in the mood to drink lots of beer.  

A bit off topic as it doesn't exactly relate to dehydration, but I know that a lot of times muscle cramps are caused by dehydration.  I used to get a lot of nocturnal leg cramps.  My wife read that Magnesium would help prevent those, and started making me take a supplemental pill every night.  This has almost eliminated these cramps completely.  Perhaps something for any athletes who deal with persistent cramping to consider.  I think pickle juice is supposed to help as well, but I think I might rather have the cramps than to down a glass of pickle juice.  

15 minutes ago, Irish Cat said:

I try to drink plenty of water each day, but I probably don't drink anywhere near the suggested amounts I've found online.  According to the Mayo Clinic men should drink 15.5 cups of water a day and I've found other sources which suggest that a person should drink .5 oz per lb.  Either of those ways I never come close most days.  I think I'd be in the bathroom most of the time if I did.  I don't drink that much of any liquids combined except for when I'm in the mood to drink lots of beer.  

A bit off topic as it doesn't exactly relate to dehydration, but I know that a lot of times muscle cramps are caused by dehydration.  I used to get a lot of nocturnal leg cramps.  My wife read that Magnesium would help prevent those, and started making me take a supplemental pill every night.  This has almost eliminated these cramps completely.  Perhaps something for any athletes who deal with persistent cramping to consider.  I think pickle juice is supposed to help as well, but I think I might rather have the cramps than to down a glass of pickle juice.  

I had a bunch of pickle juice after my workout today, yummy!

 

H20

Kids have to be careful as you can over hydrate. My son drinks one bottle of gatorade or poweraide for every 1/2 gallon of water.

3 hours ago, Tigerallamerican said:

Kids have to be careful as you can over hydrate. My son drinks one bottle of gatorade or poweraide for every 1/2 gallon of water.

Not just kids, but adults as well. You have to replace electrolytes or you risk cardiac rhythm disturbances. Fluid/electrolyte balance is a very tightly controlled process within human physiology. Small changes of anion/cation and/or acid/base balance can cause disruptions in the functioning of virtually every system.

14 hours ago, Irish Cat said:

A bit off topic as it doesn't exactly relate to dehydration, but I know that a lot of times muscle cramps are caused by dehydration.  I used to get a lot of nocturnal leg cramps.  My wife read that Magnesium would help prevent those, and started making me take a supplemental pill every night.  This has almost eliminated these cramps completely.  Perhaps something for any athletes who deal with persistent cramping to consider.  I think pickle juice is supposed to help as well, but I think I might rather have the cramps than to down a glass of pickle juice.  

I drink a can or two of mineral water a week, depending on my activities.  (If I'm really pushing it and know I'm sweating more than usual, I'll down another can that day.)  I usually go with a San Pellegrino Dark Cherry & Pomegranate, but they've got other flavors too, and the unflavored as well.  Haven't had any cramps in the past 6 months.  I've also found it's a great alternative to soft drinks if you get a carbonation craving and want something more than just plain water.