The Thirsty Nation: Unmasking America's Hydration Crisis

Did you know that despite living in a nation with ready access to clean drinking water, a shocking 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated?(1) This statistic is not just a number, but a nationwide health concern that we need to address.

The Dehydration Paradox

It seems contradictory, doesn't it? With an abundance of bottled water and refillable stations available, one would assume that most Americans are adequately hydrated. However, a study by CBS reports that the average American only consumes 2.5 cups of water a day, far less than the recommended daily intake.(2)

The Cost of Dehydration

Dehydration doesn't merely leave you feeling parched. It can lead to serious health issues such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and even cognitive impairment. In fact, even mild dehydration can negatively impact mood, memory, and brain performance.(3)

Moreover, dehydration can dramatically impact your physical performance. Research has found that a 2% loss in body water can lead to a noticeable decrease in physical performance - and this is a common condition for most of us, considering we lose water every day through basic bodily functions.(4)

Water: The Elixir of Life

Water makes up approximately 60% of our bodies and is essential for virtually every bodily function, from regulating body temperature to lubricating our joints. It's involved in the transportation of nutrients that our bodies need to function optimally. Quite literally, water is the lifeblood of our existence.

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends a daily water intake of about 3.7 liters (or about 13 cups) for men and 2.7 liters (about 9 cups) for women.(5) However, these numbers are just general guidelines. The exact amount of water you need depends on factors like age, activity level, and overall health.

Voli: Quenching America's Thirst

We at Voli understand the importance of hydration, which is why our functional drink mixes have been designed to promote hydration, provide a burst of energy, and most importantly, taste great - so that drinking water isn't just a health requirement, it's a pleasure.

Remember, staying hydrated isn't just about quenching your thirst; it's about maintaining balance in your body, supporting vital functions, and keeping you at your peak performance. So, let's challenge the statistic and separate ourselves from the chronically dehydrated 75%. Instead, let's raise our glasses (filled with water and Voli!) and toast to a healthier, more hydrated America.

References:

1. Popkin BM, D'Anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Water, Hydration, and Health. Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-458. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/
2. CBS. "Are you dehydrated? Tips for staying hydrated in the summer heat." July 2018.
1. https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/hydration-101-how-to-keep-from-becoming-dehydrated-during-hot-weather-conditions/
3. Armstrong LE, Ganio MS, Casa DJ, et al. Mild dehydration affects mood in healthy young women. J Nutr. 2012;142(2):382-388. doi:10.3945/jn.111.14200
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22190027/
4. Casa DJ, Armstrong LE, Hillman SK, et al. National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Fluid Replacement for Athletes. J Athl Train. 2000;35(2):212-224.
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1323420/
5. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2004. Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10925.
1. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/10925/dietary-reference-intakes-for-water-potassium-sodium-chloride-and-sulfate