[Health] Guidelines to improve athletic performance with water

Taken from original article "The Benefits of Water"
by Paul Zaichik of ElasticSteel.com

Dear martial artists and athletes,

I have written an article about water before.

I feel like another, more prescriptive and specific article is due. I am not going to get into the benefits of water, but rather some short and useful guide lines.

Number one; Not all water is the same. For starters there is hard water and there is soft water. Many leading authorities are still in a debate of which one is better for you. The different between the two is mineral content. Hard water is often higher in minerals, notable calcium and magnesium. It is believed that people, who chronically consume hard water, are facing lower risk of getting a cardiovascular disease.

Number two; Despite of rapidly increasing sale of bottled water, there is not enough evidence to prove that bottled water is safer or healthier than municipal tap water. However, overwhelming studies have shown that a well home-filtered tap water is cleaner and safer than both regular tap and bottled water.

Number three; The time of day you drink your water makes a difference as well. According to energy based medicine, the body’s most efficient cleansing and excreting “powers” are functioning in the early morning till noon. Thus, it’s believed that this is the most important time of increased water intake.

Number four; Don’t just gulp it down. Swashing the water in the mouth and mixing it with saliva, has every benefit over just swallowing it. Every practitioner of medicine modern, alternative or complementary supports this point. You can take my word on it or do your own research.

Number five; The temperature of drinkable water should stay in a narrow range. Room temperature being the lower point and slightly warm being the highest. Warm water is known to fatigue the body and cold water is deemed to shock the liver and other internal organs.

I can personally vouch for the difference that water makes in your athletic performance. Every factor is influenced. Hydrated body is more flexible, faster, stronger, and can endure more. All of you know that, I am sure. Then why aren’t you drinking?

Here are the basic suggestions:

Drink two cups upon rising in the morning. Don’t forget to swish and chew. Yes, chew your water. Another 2-3 cups should be consumed prior to breakfast. Wait 90-120 minutes after breakfast and consume another 2-3 cups prior to having lunch. Not all at once of course. Wait 90-120 minutes after lunch and consume 2-3 cups. Having a bottle with you and sipping from it is one of the best options. Depending on your metabolism you may not want to drink after dinner. Getting up at night is not a lot of fun, if that’s not a problem for you, then drink up.

Following this regiment every day, you will be consuming 8-11 cups of water a day. This is the very least you should be getting.

I strongly challenge you to do it. You will notice uplift in your mood, energy and performance. Go ahead try it for a few days. Then come back and share the experience with your fellow ElasticSteel Method Practitioners.