comments:
So, you seem to be doing the right things. I have the same issue, especially after kidney surgery. I’m a super heavy sweater. A few recommendations:- Overdrinking coconut water the day before. I don’t LOVE coconut water, but it’s a great option.- Skratch Hydration Powder: I switched to this from Liquid IV, and I find it much more effective (also, includes magnesium).- Magnesium supplements- Heat management: I make sure I’m doing my part to stay cool. I always keep a cooler on hot match days so that my water is super cold, and I also keep frozen neck coolers (see an example here) inside. On changeovers, I immediately towel off with a cooling towel and put on the neck cooler, as well as a neck fan. Also, this is key: dry shirts. When shirts get sweat logged, they keep you hotter as they no longer wick sweat from your body. On hot days, I will typically change my shirt every 20-30 minutes.- As many electrolytes as possible. During the match, I am constantly chewing electrolyte tablets as a supplement given my level of sweat. Between matches, I am also drinking as much electrolyte heavy drinks (like from Bai), as well as barley water you can buy from a Korean mart.- Drink till you need to urinate. So, I noticed that on days I am sweating heavily, I very seldomly need to urinate. However, when I am hydrating sufficiently and have not cramps, I will have to take a bathroom break. Now, this is my standard. Plus, between matches or when there’s an extended break, I absolutely make sure I urinate despite a dire need. I like to monitor the color to make sure I’m hydrated. People who sweat heavily know the concerning color, like the color of english breakfast tea. I’m making sure I’m hydrating enough for it to be a very clear and light yellow.- Bananas. More than you need. All day long. As a wise man says, eat bananas, because “monkey never cramps.” Some people tell me this is overkill. However, when I don’t do this, I have to retire from a match like a did a few weeks ago. Where I was literally having to wrench open my hands and put my racket in to return serve. Where I would finish the point and watch my hands curl up. Where my wife and my opponent’s wife pointed at my legs, and the muscles on the back of my legs looked like they were infected by some alien. In contrast, I did what you do and what I recommended, and I played in hotter conditions the other day in a tournament—multiple matches. Outside. No cover. No seats. Grinding out long matches. Not a cramp was had that day.