Kick Off with Pre-Hydrating

It’s football season – or as we know it around here ‘It’s Football Time in Tennessee.’ The end of football season might warrant bringing out the heavy coats, boots and gloves, but it’s not going to start out that way. For the first few Vols’ games, including the much-hyped Battle at Bristol, we’re going to see the hot temperatures and high humidity we’ve seen much of the summer. Therefore, it’s going to be extremely important for you to make sure you hydrated before you leave for the game and especially before you leave for tailgating.Our bodies are comprised of 70 percent water. Water is involved in so many processes in the body that being just 2 percent dehydrated can hinder functioning. Being slightly dehydrated slows the activity of enzymes in the body including those responsible for the production of energy. Your body uses water to maintain temperature, remove waste and lubricate joints. Stomach health, skin healthy, kidney and urinary health are all affected by proper hydration.One of the ways water is lost from our body is through sweating. If you’re standing out in the sun tailgating or your seats are in the sun before it sets for the night, chances are you are going to be sweating. You’ll keep your body from dehydrating if you have stayed hydrated in the days leading up to the game and the day of the game.You need to make sure you drink enough water every day, and if you know you are going to be sitting outside for a three-hour football game when the temperatures and humidity are high you need to drink even more water leading up to the day or night of the game. The general consensus is that people should drink around 64 ounces of water a day, obviously if you drink more than that then good for you! You can also supplement your water intake by consuming foods high in water content such as watermelon, cantaloupe, celery and cucumbers.People who are at a higher risk of becoming dehydrated are those who exercise and work out regularly, have certain medical conditions, are sick, and those who just can't maintain adequate fluid consumption throughout the day. Older adults are also at a higher risk of dehydration, as when you age your brain may be unable to sense dehydration and not send the appropriate signal for thirst. You also need to make sure that your children are staying hydrated as their growing bodies need to stay hydrated.You can keep water consumption top of mind by having a glass or bottle of water on your desk at work or sitting on a table beside you at home. Water is still one of the most affordable beverages, so drink up!