Hydration and Cognition: How Water Intake Affects the Brain
Many of us have heard some basic facts about water and the body: About 55 to 70% of the human body is made up of water. And we must drink around 8 glasses of water per day to replenish all the water that our body uses throughout the day. However, did you know that the brain contains the most water mass compared to other body parts? The brain is 75% water. The brain, just like the rest of the body, needs plenty of water in order to function. So how does it affect the brain when we don’t get enough water, and how does hydration affect cognition? Let’s explore the answers!
Why does the brain need water?
Water supports the structure of cells and tissues within the brain and body. It also helps with the transport of nutrients throughout the brain, which allows our neurons to function. Essentially, our brains couldn’t function without water!
Water and cognition
Of course, because our brains need water, water affects all of our cognitive functions. However, it’s interesting to note which cognitive functions are affected first. Most people reading this article will likely never be severely dehydrated – but what happens if you simply don’t drink enough water in a day?
Studies have found mild dehydration affects multiple cognitive functions, including attention, psychomotor, and short-term memory skills. Mildly dehydrated individuals were less able to perform tasks involving these skills.
Other studies of different age groups found further information. Young children seem to perform better overall in school when they are properly hydrated, showing the importance of hydration for learning and behavior. This makes a lot of sense, considering that feeling dehydrated can cause fatigue, frustration, and feelings of confusion. It’s much easier to learn and regulate one’s behavior when the need for hydration is met.
How to stay hydrated
Drinking more water sounds easy, but can be tough to put into practice. Experts suggest that a healthy adult in a temperate climate needs between 2.7 liters (for women) and 3.7 liters (for men). In order to hydrate more effectively, try the following tips!
- Use a reusable water bottle! Bringing your water along with you during your day makes it easily accessible, making it easier to keep up with staying hydrated.
- Flavor your water! While many people find the taste of water boring or unappealing, flavoring it with fruits such as lemon or cucumbers can make it more refreshing and add some extra nutrients.
- Alternate with other drinks. If you find it difficult to drink water on its own, try alternating with a healthy juice or tea to spice it up.
- Eat foods containing water. Fruits and vegetables are healthy in numerous ways, and also tend to contain a fair amount of water.
Conclusion
It’s clear that water is important for our health, and that our brains need water to function, along with the rest of our bodies. However, it’s easy to underhydrate throughout the day. Research tells us that nearly half of adults don’t drink enough water. Think of how this could be affecting your cognition and overall health – potentially in small ways that you don’t notice. Feeling a little frustrated or fatigued might seem like no big deal, but imagine if the fix is as easy as drinking more water! How might this simple shift improve your day-to-day life? There’s only one way to find out!