Dehydration is more common than you may think. This preventable and serious medical condition affects millions of people all around the world every day. Whether you run a restaurant, manage an office, or operate a hotel, it’s important to know the facts about dehydration to ensure that your patrons, staff, and clients stay adequately hydrated. 75% of Americans are dehydrated. Most Americans are considered chronically dehydrated. When this happens, we get used to the lack of water, so it can be difficult to tell when our bodies need to drink more. Adding more water-rich foods to your diet can also help with hydration, such as fruits and vegetables. The average American drinks just 2.5 cups of water daily. On average, adults in the U.S. drink well below the Institute of Medicine’s recommended intake of 10 cups of water per day. Encouraging water consumption by offering water with every meal or providing water stations throughout your establishment can help increase daily intake. Even mild dehydration can inhibit your ability to think clearly. Scientists say that when people drive dehydrated, they make the same number of mistakes that drivers make when under the influence of alcohol. This underscores the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day, especially during activities that require focus and attention. Feeling thirsty? You’re already dehydrated. When we are dehydrated, the body's thirst response gets triggered. So, whenever you get thirsty, dehydration is already occurring. Encouraging regular water breaks or setting reminders to drink water can help prevent dehydration before it becomes severe. Dehydration makes you sleepy. When we’re dehydrated, our energy levels diminish. Staying adequately hydrated will keep muscles energized and ward off fatigue, moodiness, and sleepiness throughout the day. Providing water as a beverage option alongside caffeinated drinks can also help maintain energy levels without the crash. You can’t survive more than a few days without water. Water is an essential nutrient for life. Science shows us that without consuming water, human beings can only survive for a matter of days. This underscores the critical importance of staying hydrated, especially in extreme conditions or during physical exertion. It can take just 45 minutes to rehydrate. A study by The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that after mildly dehydrated men consumed just 2 bottles of water, it took under one hour for their bodies to function in a perfectly healthy and hydrated state. This highlights how quickly the body can recover from dehydration with proper hydration practices. Filtered Water Dispensers Help Prevent Dehydration Installing a commercial filtered water dispenser in your restaurant, office, hotel, or college dining hall is an effective way to help everyone drink more water and prevent dehydration. With both still and sparkling water taps, and a high-tech water filtration process, they can provide staff, patrons, and students with a wide variety of healthy and delicious hydration options. Find the perfect commercial water filtration system to fit your needs. Need more information? Click here here to schedule a meeting!