Drink up: Hydration tips for summer soccer

• by Dr. Dev Mishra , Jun 13, 2017

In a previous Youth Soccer Insider we discussed recognizing signs of heat illness. Now we will discuss an even more important strategy -- preventing dehydration and possible heat illness through a good hydration strategy.

Hydration is a key element in proper sports safety, and a good hydration strategy will also improve performance. Start hydrating well before your planned activity as outlined below. After activity, recovery is important too, and I’ve been a big fan of low-fat chocolate milk as an outstanding recovery drink for many years.

Start your summer sports activity by being properly hydrated ...
One of the most important points is that the young athlete should start an exercise activity while well hydrated.

The amount of fluid an athlete needs depends on the intensity and duration of the activity as well as weather conditions and the types of clothing and equipment worn. In general, high school athletes require 10 to 12 cups of fluid (water, fruit juice, milk, etc.) per day consumed at meals and snacks so they start exercise properly hydrated. During exercise, athletes generally require 4 to 8 ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes.

Here’s an easy way to tell if you’re hydrated: check the color of your urine. If it’s less than 2 hours before training for competition and you notice that your urine is dark in color, you are not properly hydrated and you should drink more fluids.

Tips to Prevent Dehydration and Heat Illness:
• Sports drinks are an excellent choice for hydration. Athletes can usually find a flavor they like, and the electrolytes (like sodium chloride) will stimulate thirst, help the body hold onto fluid, reduce the chance of cramping, and possibly improve performance.

• Water is fine too, for events lasting up to about two hours.

• Avoid any drinks with caffeine or high fructose corn syrup, and no carbonated sodas. “Energy drinks” such as Red Bull contain caffeine and should be avoided.

• I like low-fat chocolate milk as another after-game alternative

• The athlete should have 12-16 ounces of fluid up until about 30 minutes before the game or practice (remember that most sports drinks come in 20 ounce bottles).

• Keep sipping sports drinks or water during the practice or game, about 4 ounces at a time at the end of periods or halftime.

• Start re-hydrating within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the game. Research shows that the first 20 minutes are the most efficient time to start refueling. Try to take in 20 ounces; no need to guzzle this down, but once you start drinking try to finish the bottle over the next several minutes.

(Dr. Dev K. Mishra, a Clinical Assistant Professor of orthopedic surgery at Stanford University, is the creator of the SidelineSportsDoc.com online injury-recognition course, now a requirement for US Club Soccer coaches and staff members. Mishra writes about injury management at SidelineSportsDoc.com Blog. This article has previously appeared in the Youth Soccer Insider.)