Hydration and Cognitive Focus

Water is a part of our everyday lives, so much so that we have a tendency to take it for granted, but being mindful and taking advantage of all that clean water has to offer can have an astounding effect on our overall health in many different ways.

Proper Hydration

What is proper hydration? Some say proper hydration is drinking whenever you’re thirsty. Ask a health professional and they’ll tell you that being properly hydrated has many factors and is specific to each individual. Depending on your level of physical fitness and environment, the level of water intake needed will vary from person to person. For example, someone who is weight training and physically active every day will require more water than someone sitting in an office working all day for these two individuals to be properly hydrated.

Other important factors include alcohol and caffeine intake and the amount of water in a person’s diet! Typically, a good rule of thumb for a healthy person is to ingest 30-50 ounces of water per day. If you find yourself exhibiting common signs of dehydration, try upping your water intake. 

Water’s Effect on Your Body

A lack of water can lead to a slew of issues including kidney stones, persistent headaches, dry skin and lips, and a lack of energy. Water is directly linked to joint and muscle health. Fluids carry nutrients to your cells, flush bacteria from your bladder, and prevent constipation. When you’re well-hydrated, the water inside and outside the cells of contracting muscles provides adequate nutrients and removes waste efficiently so you perform better.

Water is also a great tool for proper weight management. Without the proper amount of water intake, your body will retain water. This is because your body is in a defense mode and is holding onto any water it can get. This will usually go away quickly once your body gets the hydration it needs! 

Water’s Effect on Your Mind

Your brain is about 75% water. When your brain is functioning on a full reserve of water, you’ll be able to think faster, remain focused, and achieve clarity and a higher threshold for creativity. Water is also a driving force for delivering the necessary nutrients to your brain as well as removing unwanted toxins. So what happens if your brain doesn’t get the necessary amount of H20? Without enough water, your brain shrinks, causing a headache as it pulls away from the skull. No need to panic though, once you replenish your body’s water supply, your brain will plump back up to normal size!

Water is a necessity for every living thing and without access to clean drinking water, life as we know it would be unsustainable. Drinking fluids is essential to staying healthy and maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles. Without proper hydration, your body functions will slow, depleting energy levels throughout the day. By regularly maintaining proper hydration you are one step closer to optimal brain functionality!