772-283-4767Water and Brain Function
Everybody knows it’s no fun to be thirsty. But preventing the feeling of thirst is just one of the reasons we should drink plenty of water every day. Another reason is to help our brains function at their best.
Atlantic Cost Water Clinic of South Florida would like to share some interesting information on how drinking water affects our brains.
We’re mostly water
Our bodies are made up of about 60% to 70% water, and that water needs to be replenished. Many of the “weird” moods we experience are just our body’s way of telling us that we’re getting low on water.
Four particular areas in which the brain needs sufficient water are:
- Mood regulation
- Mental functioning
- Stress management
- Sleep patterns
Improving our moods
Dehydration has been shown to cause a variety of unpleasant moods. When we’re in or heading toward a state of dehydration, it can be difficult to control our thinking and the resulting moods the way we normally do. This is due in part to a reduction in mood-regulating neurotransmitters.
Depression, irritability, anxiety, sudden mood changes – these and other damaging emotions often are signs that you need more water. However, if filling up with water doesn’t help, seek an appropriate method for dealing with mood issues.
Sharp mental functioning
Brain function is another area where proper hydration is critical. Not getting enough water can cause problems with:
- Memory
- Concentration
- Attention
Even mild dehydration can make it feel like you’re walking around in a fog and aren’t as sharp as you need to be.
Handling stress effectively
When the body is dehydrated, it releases stress hormones. Presumably, this is because the body senses that something is wrong, and its natural response to any kind of “danger” is to send stress hormones into the system to protect the host.
In our daily lives, we experience a reasonable amount of stress. There’s nothing wrong with this. But when stress compounds, we can become unable to manage fearful thoughts, make sound decisions and remain settled and comfortable. Some cases of excess stress may be reduced or eliminated by simply drinking more water.
Hydration helps sleep
When your body doesn’t have enough water, your sleep patterns may become disrupted. This will make it harder to get to sleep and stay asleep. The result is usually exhaustion during the day, which leads to a variety of problems.
Drink more water
How much water should you drink? “Average” males need up to 16 eight-ounce glasses a day. “Average” females need a little less. If you’re highly active or an athlete, you need more.
Here are some tips to help you remember to drink your water.
- Carry bottled water with you everywhere
- Cut down on dehydrating caffeine and alcohol
- Eat more water-based plant foods (fruits and vegetables)
- Load water before, during and after heavy activity and sports
- Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water – thirst means dehydration is setting in
- Keep water by your bed
- Record your water intake for a couple of days to get an idea of how much you’re really consuming
Drink the very best water
Atlantic Coast Water Clinic provides the systems you need to ensure that the water you drink is the very best, cleanest and safest available. We install top-line water purification and water softener systems that will make your water a pleasure to drink.
Learn more about the health benefits of water and the value of having a water treatment system in your home. If you live in Port St. Lucie, FL, Fort Pierce, FL, Hobe Sound, FL, or other South Florida communities, call (772) 283-4767 or reach out with our handy contact form.