PREVENT DEHYDRATION IN YOUR WORKFORCE

Dehydration: A COMMON daily problem amongst shift workers.  Dehydration adversely affects workers productivity, safety and morale. Loss of fluids can affect cognitive abilities, reduce performance and slow reaction times. This can lead to reduced output and careless work practices with many contribute to serious accidents in  the workplace.

Studies shows that: At  just 1 %dehydration,productivity reduces by about 12%. At 2 % dehydration, heat rate increases by 8 beats per minutes (bpm) which increases perception of effort and reduces body performances by up to 30 %.

At 3%  dehydration ,heart rate increases by 12bpm and performance is reduced by 25-50%. Reaction time is also slowed to levels similar to that of having a .08 blood alcohol content (.03 above the legal driving limit)

WHY do we need fluid?

Almost every bodily process requires water to carry the function out. The human body can survive for a far longer  period without food than it can without water.

When does  dehydration occur?

Dehydration occurs when fluids and nutrients are lost from the body at a faster rate than they are replaces. This results in an imbalance of the essential components of an efficiently working body.

Definitions:

• CORRECT HYDRATION STATUS: normal range for body fluid: >50%
• DEHYDRATION: < 50% body fluid levels: this result in reduced concentration on the job

Did you know? As your body loses fluids, it also loses electrolytes

What are Electrolytes?

No discussion of dehydration would be complete without an explanation of electrolytes and their respective functions. Most people, when asked, aren’t sure what electrolytes are or why they’re so important in preventing dehydration.

These are minerals (i.e, calcium,chloride,magnesium,potassium,sodium ions)in your blood  and body fluids essential to human health. As an essential mineral, an electrolyte cannot be substituted by any other nutrient in the diet. When one lose electrolytes, you  need to replace them.

The table below explains the important functions electrolytes perform in your body:

How Electrolytes Help Prevent/Treat Dehydration

Addressing the dehydration problem

Research shows:

When a FLUID –BASED nutrition supplement which is low GI and provides Electrolytes,is taken 3 hourly throughout the shift, hydration status improves by up to 20% over 2 months.

• Shift workers exposed to long hours of intense heat and physical labour cannot rely on plain water and commercially-available high-sugar sports drinks to meet the body’s hydration and electrolyte needs.
• Plain water doesn’t contain a substantial quantity or balance of the essential electrolytes required to stay adequately hydrated, replace electrolytes lost in sweat, and maintain optimum performance.
• As for sports drinks, the high-sugar content of most of these beverages often causes bloating, stomach cramps, and can impair performance at the moment when it may matter the most.

Your urine colour is a guide to your hydration level

Make use of Back to Basics urine color assessment chart, to monitor hydration status.  See the chart on the right. Urine that is clear to light yellow is a reasonable indicator of proper hydration. 

Encouraging employee hydration can have significant impact on company’s overall performance and safety record, as well as the general welfare and health of the staff.

It requires a firm commitment on the part of management, complete buy-in from employees who will be asked to alter their personal habits and continuous reinforcement from all involved.

BACK TO BASICS-NUTRITION’S SOLUTION

• Include a carefully formulated electrolyte solution (Supa energy drink), which, when provided in the drink format (i.e. is mixed with clean water), powers rapid hydration and quickly replaces ALL lost electrolytes—not just sodium. It supports performance, stamina, and recovery, and delivers electrolytes evenly to ensure optimal hydration.

Back to Basics Nutrition is pro active in Safety training meetings to all their clients by Actively educating/ encouraging workers and supervisors the importance of keeping hydrated.

IN SUMMARY: The benefits of the Supa Energy drink

• Gives long lasting energy
• Electrolytes added
• Fibre
• Vitamin C
• Rehydrating
• Stimulant free
• 6 delicious flavours
• 23G mixes easily with water

KEEP HYDRATED, STAY PRODUCTIVE

Contact our team to find out more information

Book a tasting session. Contact Thabi Mabuza (Sales Manager) on 073 500 5061 / thabi@backtobasics-nutrition.com