DEHYDRATION, THE FACTS

When you are dehydrated, it means that the amount of fluids (water) your body is losing is more than the amount of water your body is taking in. Your body is made up of about two-thirds water.

There are three levels of dehydration:

• Mild (where you can lose 3-5% of your body weight)
• Moderate (6-9%)
• Severe (10% or more)

The colour of your urine is an excellent guide to tell if you are dehydrated. If it’s dark, concentrated and has a strong smell then you are not drinking enough water. If it’s clear and odourless then you are drinking enough fluid.

Fast facts about dehydration

• A loss of only 3% of your body’s water content causes a 10% drop in strength and an 8% loss of speed.
• A healthy mind is as important as a healthy body. Low concentration levels could be a result of dehydration. Headaches are often a sign of dehydration, so before reaching for a headache pill, try a glass of water.
• A 4-5% reduction in water in your body can cause as much as a 30% decline in work performance.

Fly longer, stay hydrated!