Is Dehydration Driving Your Poor Concentration?

A new survey has reported that more than 80 percent of 18 to 39 year old men are not drinking adequate amounts of water. Australian women are also found to be at risk, with just 34 percent reaching their recommended intake.

The survey also revealed that more than 70% of the men surveyed believed that they should drink the same amount or less than their female counterparts - a belief that could be detrimental to their health.

Darren Burgess, the Socceroos' conditioning coach and Football Federation Australia sports science co-ordinator, said the results did not surprise him. Australian were simply unaware of how much fluid was required.

"It is a common misconception that women and men should be drinking the same amounts of fluid, but this is simply not true," he said.

"Men should be drinking at least 10 glasses of fluid each day, while women are advised to consume at least eight.

"We need fluids in our bodies more than we do food, that's why the human body can go longer without food than it can without liquid.

"On a daily basis, adults lose around 4 per cent of their total body weight in water loss just in normal perspiration, urination and breathing alone. As men have a greater muscle mass than women, they expend more energy and water even when standing still."

Story originally seen on www.heraldsun.com.au on July 13, 2009.


The Spinal Centre's Comment:

This is hardly surprising. A large number of Australians don't even know how much they need to drink, let alone drink that amount everyday.

As the article mentions, our bodies need fluids, especially water. Dehydration of as little as 2% can result in poor performance and physical tiredness. Higher percentages will result in poor concentration, headaches, fatigue, lethargy, impaired sleep, dry skin, joint problems, sore eyes, digestive complaints, muscle cramping and illness.

We are lucky to live in a country where clean, fresh water is easily accessible. Think of the many countries where this luxury simply isn't available. So why aren't we taking advantage of it?

Our article, "Optimal Water Intake", explains in detail the correct amount of water to drink and why you should drink it. You need to educate yourself on how much you and your family members should be drinking daily, and your body will thank you.

Getting into the habit of drinking more water is the hardest part, but once you get the hang of it, you won't know how you did without it.

Have a glass of water when you wake up, before every meal and all through the day. Take a bottle full with you to work, and drink from it during the day. It's surprising how easy it is to drink 2 litres a day when it is sitting right in front of you.

Encourage your children to do the same - often their lack of concentration and tiredness at school isn't just due to poor diet or junk food; they are simply dehydrated. Praise them when they drink their designated amount, and ensure that it becomes a daily habit.

For more information on how much water you should be drinking, read the ‘Optimal Water Intake' article, and feel the benefits of hydration sooner rather than later.