“You are what you eat” is often repeated. The food we eat has an effect on our health throughout our lives.
Our diet also includes what we drink , so maybe it could also be said that we are what we drink. Not enough fluid can of course lead to dehydration. It only takes as little as 1-5% of body water lost for symptoms to start to occur.This includes thirst,discomfort,lessened movement,impatience and increased pulse rate. Health effects of chronic,mild dehydration and poor fluid intake include increased risk of kidney stones and urinary tract cancers. Also some colon cancers as well as heart valve disorder and diminished physical and mental performance.
Alcohol
The short term effects of a few drinks is likely to reduce energy levels. But , for about 20% of people who drink to a hazardous level , there is likely to be a negative effect on exercise gains and overall health in the medium to long term.
There has been some research that shows that a moderate intake of alcohol can actually have some health benefits. But, before you drink too much you must realise that these benefits are gained with low consumption.If you are looking for health benefits , you are better to look into other things, such as exercise.
Coffee
Many drink coffee in the morning to help with waking up , and a mid afternoon coffee can also help with energy. Caffeine is a stimulant that acts on the nervous system.Caffeine can play a role on exercise performance. Those that don’t regularly drink caffeine can be affected more than those that regularly consume .
When one is looking for a boost of energy before a workout , many turn to energy drinks. They are available in many places and are well advertised. One sports group that supposedly drinks energy drinks is the All Blacks. Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and sugar. They aren’t really a good choice for hydration and energy as many claim to be.
There are negative effects of high caffeine levels, such as heart issues.There are also longer term side effects. These include dental problems, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Water
A good part of our body is made up of water and we cannot live without it. So, it’s no surprise water is a huge benefit when we exercise. While there are other things we get fluid from , the best way to achieve hydration is water.
WATER IS FREE !! Water is readily available and is the best addition to a healthy diet.
HEALTH IS THE BEST TYPE OF WEALTH !!
