The symptoms of mild dehydration can include: fatigue – tired and less strength, headaches, fuzzy thinking - not as quick at solving problems or thinking through on-ice situations and poor performance.
We lose about 8 to 12 cups of water daily through respiration, perspiration, digestion and urine. Since the body does not store a lot of water, it must be replaced through food and fluids daily. Getting enough water is necessary for performance because it is used for:
- Digesting food and circulating energy around the body.
- Lubricating joints - such as helping knees, wrists and elbows move smoothly.
- Cushioning organs and tissues - for example, the brain needs enough fluid to stay "afloat" and remain protected from bumps and jarring.
- Transporting nutrients - the blood needs to have enough fluid to have just the right "formula" that is necessary to transport nutrients.
- Likewise, the intestinal tract needs enough fluid to move wastes through the body.
- Regulating body temperature - while this is especially key in the summer, it's also important in the winter, when dry heat can dry out skin and tissues.
- Replace sweat loss.