In chemical terms, hydration is simply the addition of an hydroxyl group and a proton to any given matter. But biologically it does not hold that simple kinda definition! Though the process is quite similar, the outcomes are exceptionally surprising. It is surprising to the level where messing up with hydration strategies can result in what had happened recently to the Great Thala "M.S. Dhoni"!!
Not only in sports, even for normal sustainment of life, water and fluids play a very crucial role. The very basic element of sustainment to life begins with the breakdown of a water molecule. However, our concern in this blog will be limited to the athletic population. Water and fluids are absolutely essential in sports. Constant hydration is required to avoid dehydration. Sports persons should be encouraged to periodically sip through fluids throughout their training sessions and competitions or events. Plain water or sports drink containing sodium, potassium chloride and simple sugars can be used as hydrating drinks. It is however not recommended to use any energy drink for a hydration strategy. Also, one cannot drink too much of fluids too. This can result in gastric discomforts. The rate of hydration is a major key factor too. Especially when the athlete is already dehydrated. Also too much water can result in further serious complications such as Hyponatremia and functional over load on the kidneys. Fluid requirements can vary in accordance with numerous factors including the individual, the sport, the climatic condition and even the humidity of the environment.
Crucial role of fluids in athlete and athletic performance is to maintain and improve exercise intensity, body size, individual metabolism and acclimatisation to the environment. Also they help in maintaining the fluid losses that occurs as a result of exercise and training. Hydration can also benefit impaired mental functioning and muscle endurance. One of the determining factor of performance and endurance is body temperature and blood volume. Electrolytes also plays a fundamental role in regulation of water distribution into various body fluid compartments. Fluid, especially water intake helps in maintaining thermoregulation and homeostasis. Fluid intakes helps an athlete in the following mechanisms as listed below;
Transport nutrients and fluids to cells,
Excrete waste products from the body,
Lubricate joints and digestive tract for smooth functioning,
Maintain body temperature,
Maintain acid-base balance,
Reduce metabolic, physiological and psychological stress .
"Because these functions are crucial to survival and as well as to athletic training and performance, athletes need to consume enough fluids and electrolytes throughout the day to replace and replenish water lost in sweat, respiration, urine and faeces."
Now, Having understood the concept of hydration, let's get on to our actual quest!!
"What really happened to Dhoni during the IPL 2020 on 02.10.2020?"
Unless he was poisoned or was subjected to any of the controversial acts, it is only logical to assume that he was dehydrated. With the mental stress on the progress of the match adding up to the humidity and temperature of the Emirates, his body was unable to acclimatise to the pattern. Whether he followed his hydration strategy or not is a question of uncertainty but what's certain is the team's Physio or the S&C coach definitely either did not monitor him properly or did not deduce the appropriate hydration strategy. Regardless of the scenario, the concerned professional did not carry out his/her duty with complete responsibility. There can also be other controversial reasons behind the fall down of the greta Thala MS Dhoni. But the signs and symptoms portrayed by him clearly depicted dehydration.
"Dehydration is a serious condition resulting from a negative water/fluid balance. It occurs when the fluid loss exceeds fluid intake."
When the body is dehydrated, blood supply to the muscle decreases resulting in inadequate oxygen supply to the muscle and thus ultimately limiting the performance. Dehydration not only affects performance but also causes serious complications including decaying of cognitive skills and even death if not managed properly. Few common causes of dehydration includes fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood loss resulting from a burn or injury, poor intake of fluids at appropriate timing and training or exhausting activities in dry air with hot weather. Dhoni was charged evidently with the last of the reasons. That day the temperature was higher than usual.
But why him? Others did not crack! What made him run out of gas?
Well, a clearly visible thing on that match was that he was extremely tired and was seen grasping for breath after running between the wickets. Though the hydration strategies vary with respect to the individual and the climatic scenarios, the signs and symptoms of dehydration remain relatively similar. Given below is the charted data to monitor dehydration levels for a human body;
1% - Thirst.
2% - Stronger thirst, vague discomfort and sense of oppression and loss of appetite.
3% - Increased hemo concentration, reduction in urinary output and dry mouth.
4% - Increased effort for physical work, flushed skin, impatience, apathy, nausea, emotional instability.
5% - Difficulty in concentrating.
6% - Impaired exercise-temperature regulation, increased pulse and respiratory rate.
8% - Dizziness, cyanosis and laboured breathing with exercise, indistinct speech, mental confusion.
10% - Spastic muscles, inability to balance with eyes closed, general incapacity, delirium and swollen tongue
11% - Circulatory insufficiency, marked hemp concentration and decreased blood volume, failing renal functions.
15% - Death.
The match clippings clearly depict that M.S. Dhoni was somewhere in between 4-6 percent of the dehydration scale. The occurrence could have been due to various environmental conditions on the match day. The nutritionist couldn't have done much but could have noted him for the signs and symptoms of dehydration as it was a highly anticipated reroute in any player's health state during the match (due to the climatic conditions in the Emirates). But it is also very unclear, given the situation that if there were even any on field nutritionist. As an individual and as well as M.S. Dhoni as a captain could have been subjected to a variable load of stressing pressure related to various aspects of the situation. If at all there, was a Sports Science team on field, which was efficient, there is an high likelihood that "The Thala" wouldn't have been devastated.
" Wait, now that I have told water/ hydration is highly important, there are optimum levels too!! Please don't hyper-hydrate your athlete and push him on to hyponatremia. You can kill him and your career !!