Water and Brain Health

Continuing our Water Dare series, let’s talk cognitive functioning. When we connect dehydration and cognitive functioning, we are talking about effects such as slower reaction times and lower accuracy. Hearing these words, we may be thinking about sports and other physical activities or exercise. However, it actually extends to all aspects of life.

Consider the importance of reaction time when you’re driving down the highway or even downtown to the grocery store. Tasks relying on memory and attention, such as the ability to recall where you left your car keys, will be affected. What about the implications towards slowing down your decision-making and problem solving when daily stressors arise? All of these are examples of times when we need our cognitive functioning to be at its best.

In a recent analysis, two researchers in medicine and exercise found that dehydration will hinder brain health by slowing down our cognitive functioning. In other words, drinking a sufficient amount of water has been shown to keep our brains functioning efficiently. Most research has focused on the effects of full dehydration, meaning there is a loss of at least 2% of body water. As minimal as that may already seem, mild dehydration is classified as a loss of only 1-2%. The analysis referenced above provided scientific evidence that even mild dehydration would cause these problems to arise!

Drinking a sufficient amount of water each day is crucial for quality of life. Make the change with us! In our last post, we challenged you to begin keeping track of how much water you are currently drinking. Today, we challenge you to step onto the path of improving your brain functioning by consciously drinking an extra cup or two of water each day.

Interested in delving into the physiological effects of dehydration? Click Here to read the blog from our sister company, Redline Exercise Rx.

Quick Blurb: Did you know that mild dehydration occurs within the body when there is a water loss that is as small as 1-2%?! So, what happens to your brain when dehydration occurs? Slower reaction times and lower accuracy. Read this week’s blog to learn what this means for you and your cognitive wellness. 

References: Wittbrodt, M. & Millard-Stafford, M. (2018). Dehydration impairs cognitive performance: A meta-analysis.  Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 50, 2360-2368. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001682