New study by Hydralyte reveals Australia's dehydration danger

Australia is the driest inhabited continent in the world, yet a new study exploring the hydration habits of Australians has revealed that we aren't maintaining the required hydration levels. 

Despite our dry weather, 73% of Australians (or approximately 14.5 million adults) aren't meeting the recommended daily fluid intake in an average week. Only three in ten Australians (27% or approximately 5.3 million adults) admit they stay very hydrated when asked. 

In other findings:

• Nine in ten (89%) Australians incorrectly assume that water is the fastest way to rehydrate.
• Approximately 608,000 Australians report not knowing the key signs of dehydration.
• Half (50%) of Australians mistakenly believe that rehydration products should only be consumed when they are severely dehydrated.
• Over one in three Australians (36%) report struggling to meet the recommended daily fluid intake at least 3 to 4 days per week.
• And, perhaps most startling, 40% wrongly believe that rehydration solutions are only necessary when unwell.

The inaugural Hydralyte Hydration Study was developed to measure the hydration habits of Australians in support of Stay Hydrated Day, Friday, 25 October. Australia's #1 oral rehydration solution* is urging Aussies to reassess, re-educate and rehydrate as we head into the warmer months. 

Hydralyte ambassador Elyse Knowles knows the importance of staying hydrated everyday not just for her but for her family as well. 

"Looking after my health and wellbeing has always been so important to me. Eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising and staying hydrated are all key to how I feel every day. 

"Hydration is not just important for me though, it's also important for my whole family. As a mum to two energetic little boys and soon to be mum to another baby, my days are chaos! With summer around the corner and lots of beach and park trips, hydration is front of mind for my little family. 

"I recommend Hydralyte when it comes to staying hydrated. The Hydralyte Effervescent Electrolyte Tablets easily fit into your bag for convenient use any time of the day and Hydralyte Electrolyte Ice blocks are great for the kids to enjoy during the warmer weather."

The study uncovers the shocking reality of how dehydrated we are as a nation, reveals the gaps in knowledge about hydration, and highlights key differences between states and genders. 

Signs and symptoms 

As the mercury rises, dehydration symptoms are more than just a dry mouth. Headaches, fatigue, and even mental fog are creeping up on Australians who think they're doing enough to stay hydrated. According to the survey results:

• 50% of Australians are aware that fatigue can be a symptom of dehydration.
• 37% recognise that difficulty concentrating or mental fog may occur due to dehydration.
• Additionally, nearly three in five (59%) Australians say people could suffer from headaches when dehydrated.​

The great state debate

Geography also significantly affects how well Australians maintain their fluid intake. Across the states, noticeable differences emerge:

• WA has been revealed as the least hydrated state, with four in five (80%) Western Australians admitting they do not meet or exceed the recommended daily fluid intake every day in an average week.
• VIC, NSW and SA follow closely, with three-quarters of residents falling short of their daily fluid intake​ (75%, 74% and 74% respectively).
• QLD also faces hydration challenges, with 65% of Victorians failing to meet their recommended daily fluid intake every day in an average week.

Battle of the sexes 

Men and women experience hydration differently, with notable disparities in how they perceive and manage fluid intake. The survey shows these gender-specific hydration trends:

• Despite being less hydrated than men (77% vs 83%), women are more likely than men to say they are very knowledgeable or have a basic understanding of hydration and the recommended daily fluid intake, but there is more to learn (94% vs 90%)
• Men (29%) are more likely to believe they meet their hydration needs than women (25%), who often underestimate their intake.
• Women are more likely to suffer from symptoms of dehydration like headache, with 66% reporting experiencing it regularly compared to 52% of men, despite being more likely than men to say staying hydrated is very important to their overall health (81% compared to 73%).
• Men are more likely to consume rehydration solutions to help them stay hydrated or rehydrated again for a better result (45%) than women (32%).