Cookies on the Healthspan site
By clicking 'accept', you are agreeing to Healthspan's use of cookies. For more information, please read our Cookie Policy
Put simply, dehydration is when you are losing more fluid than you are taking in. Although changes in fluid balance are normal - you can lose a litre of fluid while you sleep, but compensate for this when you wake - dehydration is when your fluid loss is to such an extent that it impacts your physiological function.
First, you need to understand the basic principles of physiology and the body's fluid dynamics. The body is a multi-cell organism, but its individual cells follow some of the basic principles of simple, single-cell creatures such as amoeba. A cell is dependent on fluid to maintain its structure and function and there is a constant flow of fluid and metabolites (waste) between the inside and outside of the cell.
If the fluid outside the cell becomes more concentrated than the fluid inside (due to dehydration), water will move through the cell membrane to the outside of the cell to maintain balance - a process known as osmosis. If too much fluid moves out of the cell, it will affect its performance.
There are three main ways that you lose fluids
Athletes should also consider the body's fluid compartments and how dehydration may impact these different compartments. The most relevant fluid compartments to athletes are:
Dehydration can creep up on you, even in the winter. Signs include increased thirst, increased exertion/having to work harder than normal, an increased heart rate and dark, concentrated urine.
When it comes to preventing dehydration there are different schools of thought. Some people judge by the level of thirst, while others prescribe a strict drinking protocol. I have a more pragmatic approach and consider the goals that we are trying to achieve from a performance point of view. At a race such as the Tour de France, my main priorities when it comes to hydration are rider health and wellbeing, followed by performance.
When the temperature is above 25°C, I recommend that the riders aim for one litre of water per hour. We work on a positive hydration strategy which aims to maximise the drinking opportunities for the riders. We also monitor the urine daily, and the fact that we look at this really pushes hydration up the riders' list of priorities.
Although water by itself is useful, including electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium and magnesium) in drinks helps to push the fluid into the blood and muscle cells. Electrolyte tablets have revolutionised hydration drinks, especially for people who are exercising but who do not necessarily want the calories in a sports drink.
They are particularly useful for the non-elite exerciser who may go to gym in the morning before work and get a good sweat up, then go to an air-conditioned office, which can exacerbate dehydration. In addition to working with professional cyclists, I work with the British Sailing Team, and the use of Healthspan Elite's Activ Hydrate is a key part of the sailors' hydration strategy.
Nigel Mitchell is Technical Lead for the English Institute of Sport. He currently supports athletes including Olympic middle distance runners, cross country skiers, triathletes and Olympic sailors, and an honorary senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth.
Find out more about Healthspan's Expert Panel.
This article is written by nutrition professionals, and is aimed at nutritionists and athletes. It is not intended to replace advice from your own doctor or nutritionist. Please consult a professional before trying supplements.