Why water is important and how to stay hydrated.

Water is important. Here's how you can stay hydrated

There are numerous benefits to drinking filtered water or bottled water. You’ve probably heard before that hydration is a key component of good health. You might not know. however, exactly why.

Why is water important?

According to the Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council, water is an essential nutrient. This means our bodies need more of it than they are able to produce on their own. Water makes up about 50 to 80 % of our body weight.

Are your staff dehydrated?

According to the Australian government, dehydration deficit of as little as 2% can lead to side effects.

What are the effects of dehydration?

Dehydration can have a number of side effects, including dry throat, rapid pulse, headaches and feelings of irritation and drowsiness. On a long term basis, chronic dehydration has been linked to kidney stones, urinary tract cancers and reduced physical performance, according to the Australian Government.

Tips for staying hydrated

• Educate employees about which medications may lead to dehydration
• Installing a filtered water cooler or bottled spring water cooler at the workplace encourages your staff to drink more regularly and longer
• Provide complimentary water — laden foods for employees to eat. Approximately 20% of water intake comes from food sources. Water rich foods include..cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce.

If you provide your employees with complementary coffee, consider adding a decaffeinated option. Caffeine is a diuretic, and can lead to dehydration when consumed in excess.