Wellbeing

Hydration keeps your brain active and helps your mental health

Mental health has been and always will be an issue in the UK. Recent reports in the last few years show that mental illness is on the increase, particularly amongst the younger population, and furthermore, that there is a marked increase in young onset dementia.

Mental illness can take many forms, anything from mild depression or anxiety, to worse conditions such as schizophrenia and of course, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The average human adult brain have around 100 billion cells!

How does water affect your brain?

It is important to remember that water does not just keep your body functioning in good order, it is also essential for the brain as well. Our brains take up more energy than any other organ in the body!

Cells in the brain require a precise balance of hydration in order to maximise its potential. Lack of hydration will cause malfunction of these cells and cause mental conditions ranging from lack of clarity, anxiety through to complete confusion and even paranoia. Whilst the latter end of this scale is unusual, it can still be a consequence of extreme dehydration [1].

One of the biggest problems is that people just don’t realise they are becoming dehydrated, until it becomes too late. Dizziness is one of the first symptoms, and this is frequently ignored and thought to be something else, such as the onset of a cold, or ‘one too many’ the night before. This first stage is called ‘cervicogenic dizziness’ and whilst dehydration is not the only cause, it is certainly a recognisable symptom [2].

Preventing this symptom is easy – drinking regularly throughout the day will assist your brain function considerably. Hydrating properly increases the temperature of your brain and drives out all the old worn out cells and rids you of any contingent toxins. It’s easy, and will help you regulate any signs of stress, anxiety and other related illnesses caused by dehydration.

Does it matter when you hydrate?

Important! Please drink water regularly, but one of the most critical times of the day is when you first wake up – your brain cells are crying out for hydration. With every breath you have taken during your sleep, you will have lost a little bit of moisture due to this activity. If you are somewhat of a ‘sweater’ in bed, then the moisture loss will be far greater.

If you want your brain potential at its best, you need to increase the supply of blood to this vital organ, and water is the best for this to ensure full oxygenation. Drink regularly throughout the day no matter what your environment is, your body and your brain need this.

[1] www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/health-information/diet-and-nutrition/dehydration-are-you-at-risk 

[2] www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5306747/The-seven-reasons-feeling-dizzy.html

Leave a Reply