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Stay Hydrated for Good Brain Health

8/19/2013

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In order for your brain to function at a high level it has to have water.  Over 70 percent of your body is composed of water and every function in the body is dependent on water, including the activities of the brain and nervous system.
    
The average person in the U.S. drinks less than a quart (32 ounces) of water a day.  Yet, according to the Mayo Clinic, the average adult loses more than 80 ounces of water every day through sweating, breathing, and eliminating wastes.

The brain is one of the most important organs in your body to keep fueled and hydrated.  It is approximately 85 percent water and brain function depends on having abundant access to water.

Water gives the brain the electrical energy for all brain functions, including thought and memory processes.  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.

The reason why it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day for optimal brain function is because your brain does not have any way to store water. When your body loses more water than you are replacing, dehydration will kick in and brain function will be affected.

Dehydration causes your brain to shut down and not run at full speed.  Some of the mental symptoms of dehydration include brain fog, afternoon fatigue, focus issues, depression, anger, emotional instability, exhaustion, headaches, sleep issues, stress, and a lack of mental clarity and acuity.
   
Studies have shown that if you are only 1 percent dehydrated, you will likely have a 5 percent decrease in cognitive function. If your brain drops 2 percent in body water, you may suffer from fuzzy short-term memory, experience problems with focusing, and have trouble with math computations.

Further studies have shown that prolonged dehydration causes brain cells to shrink in size and mass. This is most common in the elderly, many of whom tend to be chronically dehydrated for years.

What is the best thing to use for hydration?  Plain old water is the best thing and it’s FREE.  So, on these hot, humid days drink up for good brain health!  For more information on staying hydrated refer to Merlin Hearn’s article, http://www.waterbenefitshealth.com/water-and-brain.html

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1625 Center Street NE, Salem, Oregon  97301
Phone: 503-585-6511 - E-mail: info@WillsonHouse.org