How Hydration Fights Fatigue

Studies have shown that when athletes become exhausted, the cause is often not muscle fatigue, but dehydration. That applies to the rest of us too.

"Half of the people who come to me complaining of fatigue are actually dehydrated", said Dr. Woodson Merrell of New York's Beth Israel Medical Center.

Dehydration is common among non-athletes and athletes alike. Every day in the U.S., an estimated 75 percent of Americans are not drinking enough water for best health and optimum performance.

And a study published in the European Journal of Sports Science found 91 percent of professional European athletes were already dehydrated before they started their training sessions.

Hydration is one of the easiest ways to stay alert and energized

Without adequate hydration bodies can experience more muscle soreness, the need for longer recovery times, and less desire to push oneself. In short, dehydration can make you feel less motivated to achieve at any activity. As little as 3 percent of water weight lost due to dehydration can cause as much as a 10 percent drop in performance level.

One study of athletes found that after limiting fluids for 15 hours, 92 percent felt tired, had lapses in memory, and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, confusion, and lethargy.

Why being dehydrated causes muscle fatigue

When dehydrated, the fluid loss causes a drop in blood volume making the heart have to work harder in order to push oxygen and nutrients through the bloodstream to the brain, skin, and muscles.

How to fight fatigue by staying hydrated

Staying hydrated is key to maximizing performance on the playing field or off. Aim to drink water at least every hour or two, so that you don't feel thirsty. Carry a water bottle and sip water throughout the day instead of trying to down extra fluids right before exercise.

Or to determine how much fluid to drink when exercising, you can calculate your sweat rate. Another method is just to watch your urine color. Pale or clear means you are probably adequately hydrated, but any darker you need more water. Drinking more water is easy when you add the taste of fresh squeezed citrus to your water with True Citrus products.

Say yes to water, no to sports drinks

Nutrition experts say that energy and sports drinks are full of sugar, and artificial flavors and colors that the body doesn't need. Your body must spend energy processing and getting rid of these additives. Sports drinks are only beneficial for athletes playing high-intensity sports for longer than 1-hour, or when it is very hot outside. Those doing less should avoid sugared drinks, and use plain water for hydration.

To help boost water consumption, nutritionists recommend enhancing the flavor of your water with True Citrus.

We offer a variety of products made with real citrus juice and oils, simple and clean ingredients, no artificial sweeteners or preservatives, natural flavors, that are non-GMO and naturally gluten free.

We offer 0-calorie unsweetened products like True Lemon, True Lime, True Orange, and True Grapefruit which provide fresh squeezed citrus taste for your water, tea, and recipes.

If you prefer something a little sweeter, we also offer 10-calorie drink mix products such as True Lemon Lemonades, True Lime Limeades, and True Lemon Iced Teas that are naturally sweetened with Stevia and just a touch of sugar.

Stay hydrated, fight fatigue, and stay alert with True Citrus!