1. Hydration Through Foods
The best way to stay hydrated during Bikram yoga sessions is by keeping well-hydrated always. The best way to do this is through diet. Eat plenty of carbohydrate-enriched foods such as whole grain breads, pastas and bananas. Drink around eight glasses of water every day between meals and with meals. Eat fruits and vegetables for meals before yoga class. Fresh fruits and vegetables are water-based and full of hydration.
2. Avoid the Bad Stuff
Consuming a bad diet of foods on a regular basis can cause dehydration during workout sessions. There are certain foods to avoid, especially on days that you practice Bikram yoga. Avoid highly salty foods and foods with a lot of sodium. The best way to avoid these foods is to eat fresh, not highly processed, foods. Boxed, canned and frozen foods are saturated with salts used to preserve them. Avoid fried foods and junk food in general. Sodas are high in sodium and you should consume as little as possible. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
3. H2O
The most obvious way to avoid symptoms of dehydration is to always have water on hand. Drink plenty of water everyday. Drink around 20 ounces of water two to three hours prior to a Bikram yoga session. Drink about 10 ounces of water 20 minutes before the session. Have a large bottle of water with you at the yoga session to get hydration during the rigorous workout and after. Try to take a drink every 20 minutes. The best water to drink is not extreme in temperature. Water at room temperature or slightly cooler is the least shocking to your body, and will keep you the most hydrated.
4. Other Fluids
Hydration can come from other fluids besides water as well. Sports drinks are very popular among athletes because they replenish electrolytes that are lost during excessive sweating, but these drink do have sugar and calories in them. Sports drinks are mostly beneficial during hardcore workouts that last at least one hour. Drinking herbal teas without much caffeine are very good for hydration. Natural fruit juices are good as well, but often have high calories and sometimes added sugar. Drink any of these prior to a Bikram yoga workout, but stick to water directly before and during the session.
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