Hydration (OCR GCSE Physical Education): Revision Notes

Hydration

Reasons For Maintaining Water Balance (Hydration)

Dehydration: excessive loss of body water, such that it interrupts the function of the body Hydration: having enough water to enable normal functioning of the body

Rehydration: Consuming water to restore hydration Water balance: taking in water (hydrating) to prevent dehydration due to loss of fluids

Effects of dehydration

🩸 Blood thickening (increased viscosity)	Slows blood flow which preventing the delivery of oxygen
💓 Increase in heart rate causing irregular rhythm	The heart has to work harder to deliver oxygen to the working muscles
🌡️ Increase in body temperature	Causes overheating, leading to heat exhaustion
🤗 Slowing of reactions	Increases reaction time, which can slow the time to make important decisions
💪 Muscle fatigue	Causes cramp in muscles