Proper Hydration Key to Optimal Cognitive Function

These days, it seems as if everyone is stressing the importance of drinking enough water. From athletic coaches to medical doctors to advertisements, we are constantly being inundated with information related to drinking water. However, what is often not explicated is the effect of water on both the structural integrity and functionality of the brain.

As a general rule of thumb, I have often been advised to drink half of my body weight in fluid ounces of water. Essentially, I should be drinking about 80 fluid ounces of water each day since I weigh about 160 pounds. Until I begin counting the number of ounces each day, I never realized how much water 80 fluid ounces is.

Our brain is about 75% water, so it makes sense why the brain demands water for proper cognitive function. When your brain is functioning on a full reserve of water, you will be able to think faster, increase attentiveness, and experience greater clarity.

Besides supporting brain structure and morphology, water is also essential for delivering nutrients to the brain and removing toxins.

According to a study by Zhang et. al. , in a randomized controlled trial, dehydration negatively impacted whole brain volume, ventricular volume, BOLD response and the thickness of the cortex observed using MRI.

To boost water intake each day, make sure to drink water as soon as you wake up in the morning and carry a reusable water bottle during the day. Often times during the day, thirst can be confused with hunger, so make sure to hydrate.

-Sean

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