By US News Agency / Asian

The Department of Science and Technology- Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) here reminds athletes and active persons to rehydrate as often especially during exercise and sports-activities.

Prof. Hercules Callanta of the Institute of Human Kinetics in UP Diliman said that athletes should take-in more fluids to rehydrate to achieve maximum performance.

He said that Filipino athletes should be wary of their plasma volumes and fluid needs. They should learn how to identify the signs of dehydration, especially that they lose fluids very fast.

Callanta said that dehydration is bad for athletes as it causes fatigue and impairs the body’s muscular functions.

He also reminded athletes that if the body losses 20 percent of its water it could lead to death.

Prof. Callanta, an athlete trainer for basketball players, said that sportsmen should take water breaks every 15 to 20 minutes when practicing at the field. They should drink one to two cups of water before and after exercise, he added.

DOST-FNRI also said that athletes and those who work in warmer environments lose more water.

Meanwhile, Dr. Celeste Tanchoco, scientist of the DOST-FNRI, said that hydration is important to facilitate all body functions.

It also controls body temperature, provides dietary minerals, lubricates the joints and is as important as oxygen to the body.

DOST-FNRI held a symposium on hydration here recently. The event entitled “H2010: Symposium on Hydration” featured technical discussions among health professionals, barangay health workers, members of the academe and media.

Speakers include FNRI-DOST director Dr. Mario Capanza, Dr. Rodolfo Florentino of the Internal Life Science Institute – Southeast Asia, and Sanirose Orbeta of the Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity.