Dehydration can take a toll on many of our body's necessary systems, and studies have shown that our respiratory system may suffer when we fail to keep our body properly hydrated. In fact, there are many aspects of our breathing under different circumstances that can be eased by making sure we are drinking plenty of fluids and having a plan to stay hydrated.
Our lungs need fluids to function properly. Without fluids, our body's cells cannot provide our respiratory system with the energy it needs to provide oxygen to the rest of our body. Some respiratory signs of dehydration can include:
- Labored or rapid breathing
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Increased pulse
Labored breathing is the most evident sign that dehydration has caused breathing problems, but be aware that your respiratory system helps provide oxygen to your brain and bloodstream. Even if you don't experience labored breathing, your lungs might be struggling if you feel lightheaded or notice an unusual increase in pulse or heart rate.
The best way to stay properly hydrated is to consume plenty of water during the day, but in many cases water may not be enough if your body is susceptible to dehydration. Your body requires natural sodium and electrolytes to stay properly hydrated. TapouT sports performance beverages contain 240mg of natural sodium, more than any leading brand of sports drinks and the following electrolytes:
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Calcium
While dehydration can be caused by simply not consuming enough fluids, there can be other factors which cause our bodies to require an increased fluid intake in order to help our lungs perform optimally.
When we are ill or have an elevated temperature, many of our physical systems are taxed and begin burning through our body's stored fluids. Many illnesses also directly attack our respiratory system making it vital that we keep hydrated to help them functioning under duress. During illness or fever, your body may also require more vitamins, so we suggest that you drink plenty of water as well as incorporate a TapouT Citrus Kick or low-calorie Cherry Lemonade Blast into your hydration routing when you're under the weather. Not only will TapouT help your body retain fluids and supply your system with electrolytes that can be lost while ill, it also contains the vitamins necessary to boost your immune system. Both TapouT flavors include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12
While keeping your body fully hydrated will help ease the strain on your lungs while ill, supplying your body with plenty of vitamins will assist your immune system in recovery allowing you to breathe easier sooner.
Have you ever noticed that you have difficulty breathing when the temperature rises? Hot temperatures put a great deal of strain on your respiratory system. If you must be exposed to hot temperatures, whether outside or in a hot working environment, you could be damaging your respiratory system if you don't supply your body with the fluids it requires.
Make sure you drink plenty of hydrating fluids such as water or TapouT beverages and find a way to limit or take time away from intense heat.
We all experience labored breathing in some capacity following a workout. Our lungs are just as susceptible to the loss of fluids during physical activity as our muscles, brain and other systems that are put to the test during intense exercise. Heavy breathing in the middle of a session can derail any workout and reduce positive gains or force us to cut a workout short.
When we sweat during exercise, we're losing more than water. We're burning sodium, electrolytes and vitamins. As we've previously mentioned, we need sodium to stay hydrated and electrolytes to produce energy, and it's not just the cells in our muscles that require these vital nutrients. The cells in your lungs will begin to crave fluids and electrolytes as you begin to dehydrate during a workout, and sometimes just drinking water mid-workout won't be enough to help them recover and easy labored breathing.
A hydration routine should begin hours before any workout. Make sure that your body is supplied with plenty of fluids and electrolytes by consuming a sodium and electrolyte-rich beverage such as TapouT an hour before you begin your routine. You'll also help your lungs, and the rest of your body, recover quickly by replenishing those electrolytes with another TapouT beverage following an intense workout session.
Please note that while hydration can aid your respiratory system, continued breathing problems may be a sign of other health conditions. If you experience chronic lung issues, it may be wise to consult your physician as well as take care of your hydration levels.
Tapout sports beverages have been formulated with athletes in mind, but they can also boost hydration in those with lower-activity lifestyles. Our regular Citrus Kick has a full complement of sodium, electrolytes and vitamins, as well as 120 calories to supply your body with the nutrients and energy it requires to perform under intense circumstances.
For those looking for a low-calorie option, our Cherry Lemonade Blast contains the same nutrients as our Citrus Kick, but with only 10 calories and zero carbohydrates. Both varieties are free of artificial preservatives and contain natural flavors.