How Does Hydration Education Change One's Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects On Our Body?
How Does Hydration Education Change One's Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects On Our Body?
How Does Hydration Education Change One's Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects On Our Body?
2017-2018
How Does Hydration Education Change One’s Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects on Our Body?
Abstract
Introduction
The most basic necessity of survival is staying hydrated. Water can come from
beverages, but also from eating foods like broths, tomatoes, melon, and even dairy and meat
products.1 They all contain a different amount of water.1 The water consumed is absorbed
into the body and used to help with joint lubrication, regulating the normal body
temperature, as well as cushioning the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues throughout
level in the mouth, maintaining skin, blood volume, blood pressure, kidney functions,
gastrointestinal function, and keeps one from feeling lethargic and fatigued.2 Water becomes
a necessity when it is needed to cool the body during physical activity, when the body is
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How Does Hydration Education Change One’s Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects on Our Body?
exposed to a hot climate, when an individual is sick and running a fever, when an individual
The way the body utilizes water is by absorbing fluids during the process of breaking
down these nutrients from foods in the small intestine through metabolic processes.3 Water
is used as the medium between all chemical and enzymatic reactions that occur throughout
the body. The body depends on water for the movement of hormones, antibodies, oxygen,
and nutrients through the lymphatic system and bloodstream throughout all organs and
tissues of the body. Products of salt and metabolism are removed and filtered out by the
kidneys and finally excreted out of the body.3 Without the proper amount of water necessary
to hydrate the body, it then creates a toxic and acidic environment leading to other metabolic
person’s digestive tract via salivary glands, respiratory system when breathing, sweat
experience fatigue, muscles cramps, headaches, and overall decrease in mental and physical
A dark yellow and cloudy color is a sign that the individual is dehydrated and in need of
fluids. This is an indication that the kidneys are not fully eliminating nitrogenous waste, and
therefore becoming harmful. The skin can become dried and cracked, and absence of bowel
movements lead to constipation due to water in stool being reabsorbed for better use in
other metabolic processes. If a person is adequately hydrated, the excretion of urine should
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How Does Hydration Education Change One’s Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects on Our Body?
Hydration is needed at every age and the amount of fluids we consume daily must
compensate for the amount of water that is lost. People seem to have a misunderstanding of
the amount of water that is needed every day for our body to function. Water consumption
depends on your gender, age, activity level and health status, and whether you are a healthy
individual or having an illness.3 Water also binds to muscles more than it does to fat.
Genetically speaking, men tend to have a greater amount of lean muscle mass than women,
therefore, men have a higher percentage of water in their body mass.3 Women have an
average of 52-55% water to total body mass and men have an estimated 60% of water.3 As
the body ages, less water is bound to the body and if someone becomes overweight or obese,
more fat is found in the body causing there to be a decrease in water. Water contents during
infancy makes up 75% of body weight and in the elderly population, 55% of their body
physically active they would also need to increase their total water intake to replace the
water that they lost.2 It is not uncommon for athletes to lose 6-10% water during extreme
physical activity2. The recommendations for water intake for infants 0-12 months old is 0.6-
0.7 L/d, children 1-8 years of age is 1.3-1.7 L/d, adolescent males 9-18 years old is 2.4-3.3
L/d, adult males 19 and up is 3.7 L/d.5 Adolescent females recommendations for 9-18 years
old is 2.1-2.3 L/d, adult females 19 and up is 2.7 L/d, females during pregnancy is 3.0 L/d
Water for the body comes mainly from what we drink, but also from what we eat.
Different fluids and foods contain different amounts of water to keep the body hydrated.
Foods that are high in moisture are the best sources to gain hydration in the body. Some
examples are; soups, meats, fruits like watermelon, oranges, apples, and vegetables such as
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How Does Hydration Education Change One’s Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects on Our Body?
leafy greens and cucumbers. The best option to keep the body well hydrated is water, but
with the countless number of beverage options and the need for sugar and flavor, it becomes
challenging to make the right choices. Better drink choices are: water, sparkling waters,
black tea and black coffee. Even though, coffees and teas were once considered to be a large
contributor to dehydration because of its diuretic properties, recent research indicated that
if consumed in moderate amounts it has the same effect that water has on hydrating the
body.6 Some of the worst beverages to consume would include, but are not limited to, soda,
juice, energy drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, large amounts of caffeinated beverages like
lattes, Frappuccinos, and electrolyte replenishing drinks. This is mainly for the reason of the
sugar content and fat that act more of a source to dehydrate than to hydrate the individual
who is consuming the product. When an individual is consuming a beverage that is high in
sugar or fat, the water that is in that beverage will be absorbed with the broken-down sugars
and fats and will aid in the digestion of those nutrients. Whereas if water was consumed, the
water would be utilized throughout the body for other metabolic processes. All nutrients
need water in the process of being broken down to create energy that is utilized in the body.
For example, this can be done through the process of the electron transport chain which
occurs in the mitochondria of each cell where energy is created in the form of ATP.7
University in the United Kingdom, concluded that among their population there were many
uncertainties and confusion about the amount of fluid consumption that should be taken
daily.7 The paper investigates the amount of water that was taken in on an international scale
and beverage habit consumption in adults in the UK. Researchers found that people in the
United States drink more beverages that contain more energy. However, the trend in water
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How Does Hydration Education Change One’s Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects on Our Body?
products in the past 10 years shows that people are drinking more water and getting less of
an energy consumption from beverages.7 After the study, the researcher still felt the need to
refine recommendations for water intake in order for the population to stay hydrated.
Another study was also done on children between the ages of 4-13 years old in the
United States and concluded that children are not meeting the recommended amounts of
water consumption each day. This is found to be a cause of concern for the young
population.9 The research found that out of 4,766 children that were examined through a 3
day-24 hour recall fluid intake, 75% of the children did not meet the DRI for water.9
The study conducted on the Queens College campus, investigated the need for hydration
among students and faculty. It took a closer look into the population’s understanding on
hydration and its’ need in the body. The team examined the common knowledge among the
campus and distinguished any misconceptions the campus population might have about
certain beverages. Showing the population of Queens College the overall importance of the
need for proper hydration could give them further insight to their daily lives about
beverage and food choices, as well as improve performance in their teachings and learnings
in the classroom. The research team addressed and helped clear up any questions the
population had about the amount of water that should be consumed daily. The aim of this
intervention was to make aware of better foods to select that can aid in proper hydration.
Another aim was to educate on common, campus beverage choices that will better hydrate
the body. As a population health initiative that targets a life-course nutrition intervention;
this study is part of the 10 change drivers in the Future Scan 2012-2020 that affect the
Dietetic workforce supply and demand. Nutrition initiatives are increasing in demand,
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How Does Hydration Education Change One’s Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects on Our Body?
opportunity for students to be part of what is currently driving the supply and demand
Methodology
The target study population is Queens College students and faculty of all ages.
Collection of data and nutrition education took place at Queens College dining hall on
February 28th, 2018. An information table was set up during the day with laptops available
(Appendix 1)11. A cross-sectional study using a survey method was used to determine if
education on hydration will impact their knowledge to make healthy behavior choices that
students and faculty can continue to improve as part of a healthy lifestyle.12 Inferential
statistics was used to determine the outcome of the hypothesis in frequency form to
determine the percentage of students and changes they would make after the intervention.13
Statistical data analysis was evaluated with the use of Excel sheets, where data from surveys
was analyzed to determine objective outcomes measurements to see if there were noticeable
changes on hydration choices and improvement in answers14 . Part of the data collection
and education includes what types of drinks students and faculty consume daily and can
contribute to their hydration status as well as their current knowledge of hydration and its’
interventions throughout the campus. The purpose and mission for this study was to deliver
hydration education to students and faculty on campus as part of get FRUVED; a nation-wide
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movement aiming to support healthy living among college students.15 This movement is
currently involving “over 80 Colleges and Universities, more than 130 Phd researchers, and
1,000s of students,” in efforts to work in partnership and deliver nutrition education. The
target population are students and staff of these institutions to promote health messages and
gender, and weight, along with a color urine chart (Appendix 3) that allows for a quick
assessment on hydration status16, and a chart that shows the percentage of water in certain
throughout campus was presented to show the sugar content in each of these drinks. The
drinks selected for display were (Appendix 5): Sparkling water: 33.8 fl oz– no sugar,
Gatorade: 32 fl oz - 53g sugar = 13 tsp [21 g sugar= 5 tsp (one serving)], Lipton Iced Tea
Green Tea Citrus: 16 fl oz-32g sugar= 7.6 tsp, Florida Natural Lemonade: 14 fl oz- 47g sugar=
11.2 tsp, Coca cola: 16 fl oz- 52g sugar=12.4 tsp, and Mountain Dew: 20 fl oz- 77g sugar=
18.3 tsp. The empty bottles were filled with the corresponding sugar that is found in each
drink, and labeled with the amount of fluid, and sugar content. The purpose of the display
was to show which drinks students and faculty members are consuming that may be more
dehydrating. In addition, a food display showing the content of water in each of these foods
will educate about water content of several food choices. Water content display of foods
(Appendix 6) included 1 small apple (5.5 fl oz), 1 medium Banana (4 oz)– 3.4 fl oz, romaine
salad (3 oz)- 2.8 fl oz., yogurt (8 oz)- 6.8fl oz, white rice (4 oz) -2.7 fl oz, oatmeal (6 oz)- 4.5fl
oz, and grilled chicken (4 oz)- 2 fl oz. The portioned-out food was displayed on dishes with
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How Does Hydration Education Change One’s Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects on Our Body?
the water contents set alongside it in a clear plastic cup. Each food was labeled with its’ food
A total of 60 surveys were collected from students and staff that approached the
information table with a before and after education assessment on hydration. These surveys
compared how much knowledge was gained and what some of the misconceptions the
Results
During the education, participants were most surprised about the water content in
food displayed. The most impactful information attained in the results can be seen in
question 5 where participants were asked what types of foods contain the most water. In
the pre-survey, we find that many participants did not believe that the one serving of yogurt
contained the most water content relative to the other options (Chart 1.1). After the
education, many chose yogurt to have the highest water content when compared to pre-
education survey (Chart 1.1 & 1.2). Many believed that the salad and apple had the most
water, but when compared on portion sizes shown the highest water content came from the
yogurt.
Therefore, this shows that people know that vegetables and fruits contain a large
amount of water, but did not know there are other foods that have a water content as well.
When participants were asked where they think hydration comes from, the pre and
post- survey showed similar results in that the majority knew that hydration comes from
food and drinks we consume (Charts 2.1 & 2.2). Therefore, if the participants knew that food
and drinks contribute to hydration status, they may just be lacking in the knowledge of what
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Chart 1.2 Post-education survey question #5
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How Does Hydration Education Change One’s Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects on Our Body?
Discussion
Water is an indispensable part of our daily lives and necessary to promote and
maintain an array of physiological needs for overall good health. Therefore, proper hydration
is an important component of our health and body regulations. Temperature control, joint
lubrication, adequate blood volume, and several organ functions essential for homeostasis
Another part of the education focused on how some foods can dehydrate you, based
on its content of sugars or fat. The more fat or sugar in a product, the more molecules of
water are needed to help break down the food ingested. In turn, people average 1 milliliter
Many may not be aware that the adequate amounts of water needed for good health
is based on factors like age, gender, and physical activity level. Therefore, one goal of this
education was to provide accurate information alike, on proper hydration so that it can make
a positive impact on health. The research question and idea were inspired by the nutrition
interventions by “FRUVED College Campus Health Promotion Toolkit” and through the
“Nutrition and You: Trends 2011.”15,17 The American Dietetic Association recognized that
67% of the college-aged population believe that diet and nutrition are very important.17 With
this knowledge, it was decided that hydration education would be beneficial for the college-
aged population at Queens College. Healthy knowledge about hydration will help promote a
healthy lifestyle in diet and nutrition. Moreover, education on hydration will be beneficial as
this population has been shown to believe that diet and nutrition are very important. As part
of get FRUVED efforts to deliver nutrition education to school campuses and promote good
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component for good health. The focus of this research was to obtain a nutrition assessment
of Queens College students and staff on their current hydration knowledge. This approach
helped determine if this population has an understanding of how hydration impacts our
body. Education was provided to address hydration knowledge and the benefits of proper
hydration.
Conclusion
After the pre and post-surveys, participants were able to acknowledge the strong
need for water in their diet. They also became more self aware of the foods and drinks they
consumed that were either hydrating them or dehydrating them. The results of this study is
useful in showing that more education should be conducted on what specific foods and
drinks promote a person’s hydration status. This study showed that there is a lack of
knowledge in the campus community, on the water content in foods and drinks.
The post-survey results also show a decrease in the number of wrong answers to the
following question: “True or false? The sugar content in some drinks have no effect on the
amount of water being absorbed in our body?” Therefore, this study was helpful in
debunking the fact that other contents of foods and drinks, such as sugar content, have no
effect on our hydration status. The education was able to clarify the misconception.
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Appendix
Appendix 1. Pre and Post Survey Questions:
Link to survey
https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx?fragment=FormId%3DrY0rR3eFekqF9dkWZK
5-
4Eroa3GfOg1NoG_qIUdXrNBUREgzWVBHR0tJVk9FREpKSEwwRDZTTjIxNi4u%26Token
%3Dbfbda4399c9549c18acb330a52c1a807
3. True or false? The sugar content in some drinks have no effect on the amount of water being
absorbed in our body?
6. True or False? Water is only necessary when the temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. True or False? Water is only used to hydrate our body?
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How Does Hydration Education Change One’s Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects on Our Body?
Appendix 3 - Visuals16
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How Does Hydration Education Change One’s Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects on Our Body?
Appendix 5
Demonstration set up on the table- fluid/sugar content (which will dehydrate more)20,22,23
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Appendix 6
Demonstrations/Education
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How Does Hydration Education Change One’s Misconception of Hydration and Its Effects on Our Body?
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