Ah…the beauty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It’s breathtaking, but it’s also dehydrating. Survival is dependent upon water. You can survive for weeks without food, but you’ll die within days without water. Water makes up approximately 65% of our body weight. 20% of our bones, 70% of our brains, 75% of our muscles, and 80% of our blood is made up of water. A loss of more than 10% poses a significant health risk and loss of 20% will result in death.
The body’s need for water is second only to oxygen. Additionally, drinking water keeps the wrinkles away! Now that’s hydration motivation! Keep reading for your unique hydration formula!
When you don’t get enough water you risk dehydration—and this is a common ailment in the dry mountain air of Colorado. The high altitude causes you to breathe more rapidly and lose bodily fluids more quickly. By the time you feel thirsty, your brain has already signaled that your fluid levels are low. Signs of dehydration include thirst, fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps, light-headedness, and darker urine. What’s more, research shows that performance and endurance can drop with as little as 2% dehydration.
The choices are endless, but one clear winner is right here in your own back yard—Eldorado Natural Spring Water. I always tell my clients, “Where water is concerned, know the source.” Eldorado Water was recently judged the best tasting water in North America and third best in the world. And what about the other bottled waters? Some are no more than bottled tap water—bottled for your convenience only. Eldorado Water originates as rain and snow east of the Continental Divide. The water then enters an aquifer and passes 8,000 feet beneath Eldorado Springs and stays at a constant 76° F. It is alive with naturally occurring minerals and is not otherwise chemically treated. It is pure water, pure enjoyment.
Research has shown that some people desire a little flavor in their water in order to stay hydrated. There are numerous flavored waters on the grocery shelves these days. Look for fitness waters that are low in calories and sugars such as Propel Fitness Water. If you're game to throw in some vitamins, we recommend our Organic Vitamin Spring Water.
Sports drinks are needed for intense physical exertion exceeding 60 minutes. These drinks carry electrolytes which replace those lost through perspiration. Look for a sports drink with a carbohydrate level of about 6 percent (14 grams per 8 ounces), such as Gatorade.
Here are some tips for staying hydrated daily and when you exercise: