The Fact Regarding the Hydrating Benefits of Glycerol by:Jo Alelsto
An average person can lose about 3 liters of water from a strenuous exercise especially when it is hot and muggy
. This loss may occur via respiration and perspiration. Experts say that when the body loses one and a half liters of water, endurance and performance is reduced due to decreased amount of blood that circulates to the muscles and skin. Athletes may suffer from this trouble during long hours of body activity. When they do not take enough amount of fluid, dehydration may ensue. Thus, it is necessary for athletes as well as active people to take more amount of fluids than an average person does.
Increasing the amount of water intake may replenish lost water. Drinking more water may also be a way to hyperhydrate the body. However, the urinary system is most likely going to flush out most of the excess water in an hour. But there is a way to retain water and keep it from getting flushed out of the system.
Glycerol is a substance which is classified as an organic compound. When added to drinking water, it can maintain high levels of water in the body for up to 4 hours. In organic chemistry, this compound is known to contain three carbon atoms and it has a similar molecular structure to alcohol that it is called sugar alcohol. It occurs naturally in fats in form of glycerides and is actually a fundamental part in the molecular structure of lipids. It is also present in the body in minute amounts as a result of breakdown of fats in the liver.
This nontoxic chemical has some benefits when ingested. It increases the amount of fluid in the blood plasma and tissues. This is because the chemical is known to have hygroscopic properties. This means that it attracts water molecules from the surroundings. For example, if you leave a beaker of this substance in the open air, soon it becomes diluted as it absorbs water from the air. The same explanation tells why glycerin soaps when left in the open will become covered in dewdrops of water. Note that glycerin is the other term for the compound. It lengthens the life of water inside the body, so excess water will not be excreted until the hygroscopic substance is broken down by the body.
The compound has known therapeutic benefits. To mention a few, it is used in the treatment procedure for cerebral edema which is fluid buildup in the brain causing swelling symptoms. It is also used in remedies for glaucoma. The compound does not easily penetrate into body tissues but it remains in the blood and in fluid spaces between tissues. Its presence draws excess water out from the affected tissues through a process called osmosis. This advantage, however, has negative effects among athletes because the same feature may actually cause headaches and blurring of vision. Experts speculate this may be due to the water depletion in the tissues.
Nevertheless, things have never been totally clear because there are relatively few studies made regarding the effects of the compound to the body. For instance, its effect on the athletic performance is a matter of ingenious speculation for some. Published studies were reviewed and researchers whose works were published have evidences that corroborate one another's work.
In connection to the topic under discussion, according to a research, the presence of glycerol in the blood affects sweating and in return affects the body temperature regulating mechanism of the body. It also affects the body's cardiovascular physiology when exercise is done in a hot environment.
On the other hand, some versions of the research show no significant effects on cardiovascular function, rate of perspiration, and body temperature.
There are substances which are banned in Olympics. Diuretics are one group of substances which are not permitted to be taken by athletes for Olympics because these substances are responsible for rapid fluid loss during vigorous activity. Formerly, glycerol was considered a diuretic. Now, however in minimal doses, the compound is beneficial and more than a decade ago the ban on this substance has been lifted. Studies will still be conducted to test how the substance affects the body to make points finer as to the extent of its benefits and whether it is safe to be used in all circumstances.
About the author
Jo is a content writer for 'ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd' (
http://www.reagent.co.uk), a reputable UK based chemical manufacturer that creates, carries and supplies a vast range of premium chemicals. If your company is seeking premium chemical product for instance Glycerol or has other industrial compound requirements for uses like chemical mixture, analytical applications and cleaning then check out ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd.
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