OH! Magazine - Australian Version June 2017 | Page 11

DR
JOANNA
affecting the way you feel and perform,
dehydration is not good for your kidneys.
All this said, when it comes to hydration,
more is not always better. Yes, it is
possible to drink too much water! If you
drink too much water, and at a faster rate
than your body can excrete the surplus,
the nutrients and electrolytes in your
blood become diluted. Low blood sodium
(hyponatraemia) is especially dangerous
and is a real concern for anyone taking
part in long duration exercise, particularly
in hot humid conditions. This is where
sports drinks, with special formulations
allowing faster absorption than water, as
well as electrolyte replacement, are well
worth considering.
The rule of thumb is, if you are exercising
longer than 90 minutes, consider a sports
drink; but for your one hour in the gym,
make water your drink of choice.
Exercise aside, if you’re running to the
toilet every half hour and your urine is
almost clear, then chances are high that
you’re over-hydrating and making your
body work harder to excrete the excess.
There is no advantage to drinking too
much water.
While working on getting or staying lean,
water is – without a doubt – the best fluid
source; just don’t go spending money on
fancy bottled varieties! We have an
enormous problem in this country with
how to dispose of the millions of plastic
water bottles that are thrown in the trash.
If you think most are recycled, think
again. Less than 40 per cent of plastic
bottles are successfully recycled. Tap
water does the job and is infinitely
cheaper. Bottled water does not have as
vigorous testing as tap water, so it is a
myth that it is purer. If you find the tap
water in your area doesn’t taste good,
simply buy a filter jug.
Sparkling mineral water is a good option
for when you feel like something more
than plain water. Add a few mint leaves
and a slice of lemon for a refreshing drink
on a hot day. Do stay clear of vitamin
waters and the like; there is no need to
have vitamin and minerals added to your
water, as you can get these easily and in
better combinations and quantities
through your food. Many of those drinks
have sugar or artificial sweeteners added
too, so often only serve to add to your
kilojoule intake as well as stimulating the
sweet drivers in your brain. Keep things
simple and hydrate with water – most of
us would feel a whole lot better were we
to drink more. Your brain and your body
will benefit.
To find out more or to learn about Dr
Joanna’s fresh, personalised, research-
based approach to getting lean visit
www.drjoanna.com.au
YOU CAN FOLLOW
DR JOANNA VIA:
Web: drjoanna.com.au
Facebook: drjoannamcmillan
Twitter: @joannanutrition
Instagram: @drjoannamcmillan
OH! MAGAZINE ( JUNE 2017 )
11