Hydration: Fluid Replacement

A glass of water with a lime on the rim as water is being refilled din the glass.

Before Exercise

  • Goal: Start physical activity euhydrated and with normal palsma electrolyte levels
  • Slowly drink beverages at least 4 hours before exercising (about 5-7 mL/kg per body weight)
  • Slowly drink beverages at least 2 hours before exercising, if urine is not produced or urine is dark (about 3-5 mL/kg)
  • Beverages with sodium and/or small amounts or salted snacks or sodium-contacting foods at meals will help to stimulate thirst and retain consumed fluids
  • Enhancing palatability helps promote fluid consumption

After Exercise

  • Goal: Fully replace any fluid and electrolyte deficit 
  • If recovery time and opportunities permit, consume normal meals and snacks with enough plain water to restore euhydration, provided the food contains enough sodium to replace sweat losses
  • Consume sodium during recovery period to help retain ingested fluids and help stimulate thirst
  • Drinks containing sodium may helpful, but many foods can supply needed electrolytes 
  • A little extra salt may be added to meals and recovery fluids when sweat sodium losses are heigh
  • Intravenous fluid replacement after exercise may be warranted individuals with severe hydration (>7% body weight loss), with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea or those who cannot ingest oral fluids
  • Does not provide advantage over drinking in replacing fluid and electrolyte deficits