In the military, being able to perform at your best isn’t only a matter of training - it involves rigorous maintenance of one’s body. Hydration is one of the most important aspects of this, and it will be a major influence on your ability to perform.
In this guide, we’ll outline the exact reasons that this is so vital in the military and go over seven of our best hydration tips to follow at all times.
Why Is Hydration Critical In The Military?
Before we get into our hydration tips, it’s worth establishing exactly why ensuring that you are maintaining your hydration efficiently is so important in a military role. Military personnel operate in some of the harshest environments in the world and face constant physical demands. As a result, careful management of hydration is vital. Proper hydration helps to maintain energy levels and endurance, cognitive function and overall health.
So, how can you achieve proper hydration? These 7 hydration tips are a great place to start:
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Always Carry A Hydration Pack With You
A constant supply of water will be vital in the field, particularly in areas where access to safe drinking water will be limited. A high-quality hydration pack will allow you easy access to water on the move.
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Drink Regularly Throughout The Day
Thirst is one of the later signs that your body is dehydrated, so if you need to hydrate yourself efficiently, judging how thirsty you are is a poor way to go about it. One of our most important hydration tips is to make sure you are regularly taking in fluid throughout the day. Doing so will prevent you from suffering the effects of dehydration before it’s too late.
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Electrolytes Are Important, Too
Electrolytes like magnesium, sodium and potassium are vital for maintaining good hydration and they will be lost as the body sweats. Making sure that you’re replenishing these key minerals throughout the day is one of our best hydration tips. This can be achieved through electrolyte supplements, gels or tailored snacks that contain high amounts of these minerals, such as bananas and nuts.
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Use A Durable Water Bottle or Flask
You want quick and convenient access to fluid when you’re on the move, which is why ensuring that you have a reliable water bottle or flask to hand is one of our key hydration tips. Our bottles and flasks at Taskforce Military and specifically designed with durable materials suited to the rugged environments you may expect to face in the military.
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Be Aware Of The Consequences Of Poor Hydration
Mismanaging your hydration by either taking in too little or too much water can have very severe health consequences. These range from mild discomfort all the way to heatstroke, kidney failure and hyponatremia. Staying aware of your intake and knowing how much you should be drinking are some of our most crucial hydration tips.
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Consider Your Food Intake
You don’t just consume water through drinking. If you choose the right foods, you eat plenty of it too! Lots of fruits and vegetables, including cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and watermelon, contain high percentages of water content, which can contribute a lot to your hydration.
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Tailor Your Hydration Strategy For The Environment
Different climates will demand different strategies when it comes to your hydration needs. Hot conditions will demand a natural increase in fluid intake to account for sweat, but don’t underestimate dehydration in the cold. While the cold will suppress your thirst, your body is still losing fluids and will require careful hydration management. Always ensure you are briefed on the requirements of the environment you’re facing.
Have these vital hydration tips for military personnel been helpful to you? We hope so. Have a browse of our range of mission-ready hydration gear to ensure that you’re properly kitted out for future excursions. If you have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact the TaskForce team today!
