How to Revise Hydration and Nutrition for IB SEHS
Hydration and nutrition are core topics in IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS) and appear frequently in exam questions. Effective revision of these areas requires more than memorising definitions. Students must understand how hydration and nutrition influence exercise performance, fatigue, and recovery, and be able to apply this knowledge clearly.
Strong revision strategies focus on processes, application, and exam-style structure.
Start with Core Principles
Successful revision begins with a clear understanding of the main concepts:
- Role of water in the body
- Thermoregulation and sweating
- Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
- Energy availability and fatigue
Students should be able to explain why hydration and nutrition matter, not just state that they are important. Linking these principles to exercise intensity and duration is essential.
Focus on Cause-and-Effect Relationships
Hydration and nutrition questions often test cause-and-effect thinking. For example:
- How dehydration increases cardiovascular strain
- Why low glycogen levels cause fatigue
- How nutrition supports recovery and adaptation
When revising, practise explaining sequences clearly. This helps avoid vague answers and improves clarity in extended-response questions.
Use Applied Exercise Examples
IB SEHS rewards applied knowledge. Revision should always include examples linked to exercise or sport.
Effective strategies include:
- Explaining hydration in hot vs cool environments
- Linking carbohydrates to endurance performance
- Applying recovery nutrition to repeated training sessions
