By the time you are thirsty, cognitive function has already dropped 10%

The human body is 60% water.  Fluids are necessary for digestion, nutrient absorption, circulation and body temperature regulation.  When fluids are low, the brain triggers the thirst mechanism.  While dehydrated, the body will slow down functions until fluid balance is restored.

While the physical effects of dehydration are quickly apparent, there is not as much awareness regarding the effects dehydration has on brain function.  By the time the thirst mechanism starts, body weight may decrease by 2% but cognitive ability decreases by 10% leading to fatigue, reduced concentration, and at times even dizziness.  Maintaining hydration can help maintain good cognitive ability and prevent fatigue during high-intensity mental tasks.

Physical Effects on the Brain

The Journal of Human Brain Mapping reported that the brain shrinks when dehydrated.  After 90 minutes of exercise the brain will shrink as much as it would if it aged 10 years.  When the brain shrinks, it must work harder to accomplish tasks, which leads to reduced concentration and higher fatigue.

There is good news.  Consuming just two glasses of water will return the brain to normal size.  While the brain is quickly affected by a lack of water, it also quickly recovers.

Hydration Leads to Better Brain Performance

A study published in Frontiers of Human Neuroscience involved 34 adults tested on memory, learning, reaction time, and problem solving.  The tests were conducted on different days.  On one day, the subject would not drink water in the morning.  On the other, the subject would drink a glass of water upon waking.

The study showed that the subjects scored better on the day started with a glass of water.  Reaction time dropped as much as 14% when the subjects reported feeling thirsty.

Keep Hydrated!

Knowing that water can help with brain function, here are a few tips for increasing and maintaining good water intake:

• Keep a reusable water bottle handy.  Choosing a design that travels easily encourages this habit.

• Encouraging children to drink enough water is a unique challenge.  When thirsty, children often pursue high-sugar soda drinks that dehydrate further.  Limit these beverages to a certain number a day and send children to school with a full water bottle.
• Many people do not like plain water.  Try sparkling water beverages with a touch of flavor.  Like plain water, these drinks have no sugar, caffeine, or sodium but the texture and mild flavor is appealing to many who may usually not drink enough water.
• Start each day with water.  The longest period of time people go without water is during sleep and waking up dehydrated is not uncommon.  Starting with water may mean needing to drink less coffee or tea in the morning.

Maintaining fluid balance will yield many benefits for both physical and mental health.  Start a hydration habit today and watch as the performance of mental tasks steadily improves.

How do you stay hydrated?

About the Author

From an early age Matthew loved to talk, and now he gets paid to do just that.

Having grown up with Learning Disabilities and overcome them, Breakthroughs is an opportunity for him to give back. Now Matthew is an Educational Therapist with over 20,000 hours of experience working with children and adults with learning challenges.

When not in the office Matthew can be found seeking adventure with his wife and children, preferably on a mountain or in a kayak.

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