An estimate states that about three-quarter of our brain is water. As such, even slight dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, lack of mental clarity, stress, and sleep issues. So, with 80% of our brain being made up of water, it is only obvious that there is great need to keep ourselves hydrated.
Every system in the human body needs water to perform its function. And for the brain some of these functions include:
Improving concentration and cognition
Helping to balance your mood and emotions
Maintaining memory function
Increasing blood flow and oxygen to your brain
Preventing and relieving headaches
Reducing stress
For there to be proper Brain Function & Connectivity, adequate water drinking habit is encouraged, this is because; the brain is 80% water, the muscles (including the heart muscles) are 75% water, the blood is 83% water, the lungs are 90% water, the skin is 64% water, and even the bones are 30% water. Therefore, water is a paramount constituent of the brain.
Since the brain is mostly water, drinking it helps you a lot. The brain relies on adequate and regular hydration to function optimally, this is because the brain cells require a balance between water and various elements to operate, and when you lose too much water, that balance is disrupted. This will result in the loss of efficiency of the brain.
Dehydration on the other hand can impair short-term memory function and the recall of long-term memory. For example, the ability to perform mental arithmetic, like calculating whether you will be late for work if you hit snooze for another 15 minutes, is compromised when your fluids are low.
Water has shown to be relevant to the brain and it’s functioning so many ways including:
Regular drinking of water aids in cognitive function:
Proper hydration is key to staying in tip-top cognitive shape. Research from trusted Source indicates that not drinking enough water can negatively impact your focus, alertness, and short-term memory.
It helps improve mood:
Inability to getting enough water can also affect your mood. Dehydration may result in fatigue and confusion as well as anxiety.
When your brain is functioning on a full reserve of water, you will be able to think faster, be more focused, and experience greater clarity and creativity.
Water is also essential for delivering nutrients to the brain and for removing toxins. When the brain is fully hydrated, the exchange of nutrients and toxins will be more efficient— which helps in ensuring better concentration and mental alertness.
Water Helps Improve Brain’s Efficiency:
The brain cells require a balance between water and various elements to operate optimally, if not, could reduce the brain cells efficiency. When the brain is not performing at its best, due to dehydration, the individual could lose the ability to concentrate for a longer period. It could also result in mood swings and affect the memory. Therefore, to improve the efficiency of the brain, drinking water regularly is essential.
It Helps Improve Memory Function:
Dehydration can impair short term memory function and the recall of long-term memory. It has been noted that as little as a decrease of 2% of water can cause memory impairment. This is because, water works as a nutrient for your brain, and when there is a deficit it could interfere with the functioning of your memory. So, to avoid this and to boosts your memory function it is important to drink enough water.
It Improves Your Attention Span:
One of the adverse effects of dehydration on the brain is a shorter attention span. Dehydration can make you lose focus and affects your ability to concentrate. These consequently affects your performance at work. Thus, to increase attention span and to sharpen your focus, staying hydrated throughout the day is important.
REFERENCE:
What are the benefits of drinking water? by BrainMD life. Brain health October 1, 2019.
Joshua Godwin, PhD You illuminated. Why Your Brain Needs Water., Water enhances mental function and is essential to survival., Posted Oct 15, 2010.
Why Is Water Important? 16 Reasons to Drink Up; Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, RD, LD; Written by Natalie Silver on March 19, 2019.
Your Brain on H2O Healthy Habits; December 2, 2015.
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