Proper Nutrition & Hydration

When athletes practice and compete, they sweat. Sweating is a good thing because it's the body's natural cooling mechanism. However, sweating also results in fluid and electrolyte loss which can lead to dehydration if fluids aren't replaced.

Athletes often underestimate their fluid needs because they rely on thirst. Thirst is not a good indicator of fluid needs. Many athletes come to practice and games already dehydrated. Physical activity furthers the condition and by the time an athlete feels thirsty, dehydration has already set in. Even levels of dehydration of as little as 1-2% (1.3 - 2.6 lbs for a 130 lb athlete) can lead to premature fatigue and impair physical and mental performance.

Excerpts from "Tackling The Heat - A Hydration Game Plan"; Gatorade Sports Science Institute.

Be sure to check out the tips included on this page, as well as our links to other nutrition and hydration sites.

Looking ahead:

5/22-5/24 State HS track meet. (Univ. of Oregon)

5/27 End of Season Banquet

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