Hydration is our passion at Hydratis! And even more than that, given that it's a public health issue. We can't stress it enough: the proper functioning of our body, our vitality, and our daily energy depend largely on good hydration .
As summer and its heatwaves begin, we, along with IFOP, went to survey you directly to find out where you stood in terms of hydration…
Staying well hydrated: a well-integrated health priority
Good news, the French are aware of the importance of hydration and they even place it on the podium of health priorities.
94% of respondents believe that staying well-hydrated is a central pillar of their health and well-being . And it's true, optimal hydration is just as essential for health as sleep or a balanced diet.
In theory, it's clear! But what about in practice?
78% of French people do not drink enough water
Do as I say, not as I do!
While 84% of French people say they make sure to stay hydrated, only 22% actually follow the recommendations of the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), which recommends a total daily intake of 2.5L of water for men and 2L for women.* In reality, 86% of men do not drink the recommended amount, averaging 1.28L of water per day . Women fare better, but still , 71% do not follow the EFSA recommendations, with a daily average of 1.30L of water. That's far from the target!
Disparities also appear depending on age: those under 25 (26% drink enough) do better than their elders aged 65 and over (19%), even though they are among the populations most vulnerable to dehydration.
Reconciling perceptions and reality: a major challenge
"This unprecedented study highlights a worrying paradox: although aware of the importance of hydration, the French do not hydrate themselves sufficiently, while believing they are well hydrated. This is a real public health issue," notes Théo Heude, co-founder of Hydratis.
We must act, and quickly! Because poor hydration impacts our physical and cognitive functions , and affects our energy and overall vitality. When dehydrated, our brain, which is 75% water, functions at a slower pace , the risk of muscle pain increases, and waste products are less effectively eliminated through urine.
And water isn't always enough… While the French are aware that there's nothing better than water for hydration, too few understand the crucial role of minerals . Only a quarter of the French know that poor hydration can be caused by a lack of both water AND minerals .
The goal is for everyone to be well hydrated!
"There is still significant work to be done in raising awareness and educating the public, as well as proposing simple and accessible solutions to address this problem." Jérémy Boué, co-founder of Hydratis.
For over 6 years, at Hydratis, we've made the hydration of the French our priority. Because we know that remembering to stay hydrated isn't always easy, we've designed solutions that boost hydration.
How? By optimizing water absorption in the body through a magic (and above all, scientific) equation: a mixture of water, electrolytes (the famous mineral salts) and glucose (the right dose to create the chemical phenomenon that triggers absorption).
Adopt good habits and don't wait until you're thirsty to hydrate. Every occasion is a good one to hydrate.
*These values include water from both food and beverage consumption. European Health Authorities have established that food contributes approximately 20% to total water intake in adults.
Based on this, it is estimated that men should drink about 2 L per day and women 1.6 L.
