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
Answers that stay theoretical often score lower than those applied to real exercise situations.
Practise Exam-Style Questions Regularly
Regular exam practice is essential for mastering hydration and nutrition topics. This allows students to refine structure, terminology, and timing.
When reviewing answers:
- Check that terminology is accurate
- Ensure explanations are logical and sequenced
- Confirm links to performance are clear
Using markscheme language during revision improves exam readiness.
Avoid Common Revision Mistakes
Common revision errors include:
- Memorising lists without understanding
- Ignoring application to exercise
- Mixing up macronutrient roles
Effective revision focuses on understanding relationships rather than learning isolated facts.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I prioritise when revising hydration and nutrition?
Focus on thermoregulation, dehydration effects, carbohydrate use, and recovery nutrition, always linking concepts to exercise performance.
How detailed do nutrition answers need to be in IB SEHS?
Answers should clearly explain processes and effects using IB terminology and applied examples rather than long lists of facts.
How often should I revise hydration and nutrition topics?
Regular revision throughout the course is best. Revisiting these topics frequently improves recall and exam confidence.
