Flourish - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 31
So what is
functional hydration?
Functional hydration is
a more useful concept.
It means hydrating with
purpose, based on your
body’s needs rather than
arbitrary rules.
This includes:
• Your activity level
• Climate (heat,
humidity)
• Diet (昀氀uid-rich foods
vs salty foods)
• Health status
For example, someone
exercising intensely or
working outdoors in
summer will have very
different hydration
needs compared to
someone working in
an of昀椀ce, indoors.
Why hydration matters
Water plays a role in
almost every bodily
function; temperature
regulation, circulation,
digestion, and cognitive
performance. Even mild
dehydration (as little as
1–2% body weight loss)
can affect concentration,
mood, and physical
performance.
Do you need
electrolytes?
This is where functional
hydration becomes
important. For most
people, plain water is
enough. You’ll also get
Does timing matter?
electrolytes (like sodium
Yes, but not in an extreme
and potassium) from food.
way. Rather than “stacking”
water in large amounts, a
Electrolyte-containing
better approach is to:
昀氀uids (like oral rehydration
• Drink regularly across
solutions or sports drinks)
are useful when:
• You’re exercising for
>60–90 minutes
• You’re sweating heavily
(e.g., hot weather,
tradie work)
• You’re unwell with
vomiting or diarrhoea
the day
• Have a glass of water
with meals
• Top up before, during,
and after exercise
Drinking too much
water in a short period
can actually be harmful
in rare cases, leading
Otherwise, regularly
to hyponatraemia
consuming electrolyte
(low blood sodium),
drinks can add unnecessary
particularly during
sugar or sodium.
endurance events.
