Unlocking the Power of Hydration: 7 Key Health and Lifestyle Benefits

16 September 2022

What is Hydration?

Hydration refers to replenishing fluids/water lost due to sweat and everyday activities. This can be gauged by observing fluctuations in body weight throughout the day. Insufficient water intake leads to dehydration, categorised by:

• Decreased energy levels
• Persistent fatigue
• Headaches
• Stomach ache or abdominal pain

What is the Recommended Daily Intake for Optimal Hydration?

As a general guideline, it's recommended that you drink approximately 8-10 glasses of water per day (Health Direct 2023). However, it's crucial to recognise that individual hydration requirements will increase this based on lifestyle factors. For example:

• During physical activities
• When spending extended periods outdoors
• In warmer weather conditions
• If you're experiencing any symptoms of dehydration (discussed above).

Advantage+ by PREPD is a hydration enhancer backed by over 25-years of medical research that aims to help people suffering from dehydration and prevent it through education and innovative scientific approaches. Compared to traditional hydration strategies, we significantly improve and enhance hydration benefits by using a unique Resistant Starch formula (pioneered by PREPD) which taps into an additional 5L of water absorption, largely unused in the large intestine.

Our formula is a simple, ready-to-drink Liquid breakfast, available in 2 delicious smoothie flavours! We've designed Advantage+ by PREPD to fit your routine, so it doesn't interfere with your day, but instead, ensures sustained energy & focus, whether that be in the office or the classroom. 

Our Advantage+ by PREPD range complements existing diets and supplementary intakes, enhancing nutrient absorption. To maximise the considerable benefits, consume Advantage+ by PREPD at  breakfast. 

Check out these 7 scientifically-proven benefits of hydration for your health and everyday lifestyle:

1. Energy Production

Firstly, research from Griffith University (2017) shows that staying well-hydrated can increase your energy levels. This is because dehydration causes your blood to thicken, making your heart work harder to provide oxygen to your body's tissues. This extra effort burns more energy, leaving you feeling tired and unmotivated. As such, drinking water frequently is paramount to keep you feeling energised and productive!

2. Better Concentration & Focus:

Optimal hydration also contributes to enhanced focus and concentration, boosting your productivity and mental clarity throughout the day! Scientific research conducted by the University of East London and Westminster (2018) has proven this, identifying a remarkable 25% increase in focus for well-hydrated participants. 

3. Lower Injury Risk:

Sufficient water intake also prevents muscle exhaustion, lowering the risk of injuries. During exercise, our internal body temperature rises, causing us to sweat and prevent overheating. As such, hydration is essential to replenish lost fluids from sweating and prevent issues like cramping, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.

4. Improved Sleep:

The connection between hydration and sleep is widely unknown, though it cannot be understated. Rosinger et al.'s (2018) study identified that well-hydrated participants recorded 8-9 hours of sleep, whereas dehydrated participants recorded 6 or less hours of interrupted rest. High-quality sleep is paramount to:

• Body repair and recovery
• Supporting brain development
• Strengthening cardiac functioning & body metabolism
• Improving our memory & cognitive functioning

As such, optimal hydration can beneficially energise you, increasing your productivity and mood the following day!

Want to learn more about sleep and hydration? Check out our blog

5. Clearer Skin:

Hydration is also strongly-linked to skin quality, with an insufficient daily water intake accentuating wrinkles, pores, and creating dull skin. Optimal hydration enhances your skin's plumpness and elasticity, reducing the risk of cracks, flakes, irritations, or pimples.

6. Reduced Headaches:

Headaches can often be a direct result of dehydration, as highlighted by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing. To summarise, his research states that when your body lacks proper hydration, it can often lead to a persistent, throbbing pain in your head, worsened by movement or certain positions.

Alongside this discomfort, dehydration-induced headaches can also trigger confusion, dry mouth, and weariness—all of which can decrease productivity, and trigger irritation throughout your day.

7. Increased Performance:

Finally, optimal hydration can significantly increases your performance. According to the National Library of Medicine (2021), “hydration levels directly influence human performance & recovery to a significant degree” by:

• Boosting stamina
• Regulating your body temperature
• Enhancing focus and mental activity
• Assisting in recovery and agility. 

These factors combined all contribute to improved physical performance, enabling you to make the most of each day and reach your full potential!

Hydration isn't just about quenching thirst—it literally impacts your mind and body's ability to function properly. Even the slightest dehydration can throw you off balance, so make hydration a priority. Keep that water flowing to ensure your brain performs at its peak!

Ready to unlock the incredible benefits of hydration? Start your Advantage+ by PREPD journey today and embrace the power of a happier, healthier, and more-productive lifestyle! Check out our range here.