Human Body & Water
About what percentage of the human body is made of water?
Around 60%
Children: 60-75%
Adults: 50-60%
Do swimmers sweat when they swim?
Yes. Even in the water, our body still sweats because it is trying to cool itself down.
Can dark-colored urine be a sign of dehydration?
Yes
10 minutes before practice, you notice your water bottle is empty. Should you start practice with an empty water bottle?
No. You should start practice with a full water bottle on deck, making sure you can drink throughout practice and stay hydrated.
How does water regulates body temperature?
- Through sweating.
True or False: Dehydration can negatively impact sports performance.
True.
Can muscle cramps be a sign that you need more water?
Yes
Should we drink water every day?
Yes. Water is an essential nutrient. This means our body needs water every day to work properly and stay healthy.
Name 1 role of water in the human body.
- Helps regulate body temperature.
- Helps carry nutrients to our cells.
- Helps remove waste from our body.
How much should we drink during practice?
1 cup (8 oz) of water every 15–20 minutes.
True or false: we should drink water only when we feel thirsty.
False. We should drink water throughout the day, not only when we feel thirsty.
Thirst may already be a sign of dehydration.
A swimmer only drinks water at the end of practice. Is this a good hydration habit? Explain why.
No. The swimmer does not have a good hydration habit because swimmers lose water through sweat during practice and may become dehydrated if they do not drink regularly.
A swimmer forgot his water bottle at home and did not drink water throughout practice. What could happen?
The swimmer might get dehydrated.
In a workout that lasts 45 minutes, should you drink water or a sports drink?
Water is often sufficient for a workout that lasts an hour or less.
How can dehydration affect an athlete during practice?
An athlete who is dehydrated may have difficulty staying focused, get tired faster, have a headache, and have lower energy.
Does everyone need the same amount of water each day?
No. Hydration needs are different for everyone. The amount of water you need depends on how hard and how long you exercise, the weather, your age, and other factors.
Name 3 roles of water in the human body.
- Helps regulate body temperature.
- Helps carry nutrients to our cells.
- Helps remove waste from our body.
- Lubricate joints.
Would a swimmer who practices for 2 hours have higher hydration needs compared to a swimmer who practices for 1 hour? Why or why not?
Yes, the swimmer who practices for 2 hours may need more fluid to stay hydrated because they sweat for a longer period of time and lose more fluids.
Name 3 signs of dehydration.
- Headache
- Reduced concentration
- Thirst
Name 2 ways that can help you remember to drink water.
- Drink water when you wake up.
- Bring your water bottle to school and practices.
- Drink water during meals.
- Drink water before, during and after training.