HYDRATION AND CONSTIPATION

THE IMPORTANCE OF HYDRATION

Our body reaches more than 70% water, so being correctly hydrated is essential for its proper functioning. Hydration fulfills several functions that improve life quality and sports performance, such as reducing fatigue or muscle load and cramps, keeping blood volume stable, and then generating well organism nutrition.

On the other hand, it decreases the tendency to constipation since it maintains intestinal integrity.

It also takes part of the central nervous system, contributing to being able to make good decisions when we are doing exercise.

IMPLICATIONS AT THE INTESTINAL LEVEL

Water contributes to the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients at the intestinal level. If hydration is not sufficient, it will slow down the digestive processes and consequently constipation could occur. On the other hand, in cases of functional or chronic constipation, considering drinking ice water on an empty stomach could help to improve constipation. This is because it stimulates involuntary bowel movements.