Feeling foggy by mid-morning?
Struggling to focus during Zoom calls?
Getting annoyed for no reason?
Check, check, and check? Then it’s time to check your water intake.
The average human adult body is approximately 55% to 60% water. So, an imbalance in hydration? It upsets your brain, mood, and productivity levels.
To keep your to-do list on track, you need to keep hydrating . But before you pick your water bottle for the next sip, sip in some details on how it can impact and what all it should have!
How Does Hydration Level Impacts the Brain?
Thinking, reacting, feeling, maintaining— there is so much your brain has to do. To stay active, it requires a constant supply of oxygen and minerals. Interestingly, most of the minerals are delivered to the body through water.
According to Mitchell and others, the brain is composed of 73% water. So, the science is simple: to operate, the brain cells need to properly maintain a balance between water and various elements. When the body gets dehydrated, the balance disrupts. Consequently, the brain cells become less efficient. You are likely to face difficulty in:
- Focusing
- Short-term memory
- Recalling long-term memories
- Ability to perform mental calculations
Remember: “A well-hydrated brain is a happy brain,”
How Hydration Level Impacts Mood?
The connection between hydration and mood is fascinating. Studies have also found a positive link between fluid consumption and better mood. In the journal Appetite, individuals reported feeling calmer and more alert after consuming water.
In fact, studies have also revealed that the scores of depression, confusion, and tension fall when the water intake increases. A vice versa is also true! Low hydration levels and the mood worsens, headaches arise and tiredness prevails.
So, now you get it why a glass of electrolyte replenishment beverage, gives you a mood lift and you end up feeling better within minutes!
How Hydration Level Impacts Productivity?
Hydration and productivity? There is no other connection more direct than this one! Yes, and research is replete with examples. Just 1% dehydration has been found to lower productivity levels by 12%.
The more the dehydration, the greater the impact. With 3-4% dehydration, the results come out to be a 25-50% decline in a person’s performance.
Thus, you need to keep hydrating to have your mind and body functioning. But the real question is: How and how much?
How Much Water Intake is Essential?
Well, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The fluid needs for you and your twin will vary!
Yes, it is different for every individual.
Having said that, for healthy individuals, the average daily water is:
- 5 cup for men
- 5 cup for women
Several factors may translate to more water requirement:
- Activity level: If you’re losing water through sweat because of exercise, increase your water intake.
- Temperatures: In warmer temperatures, your body needs more water.
- Overall health and medications: It is best to discuss with your doctor on what medications should be accompanied by more water intake.
Is Hydration all About Water?
Wait! Before you head straight to refill your bottle with plain water, here is some important information.
Your body needs electrolytes to absorb and use the water effectively. These minerals help balance fluids inside and outside your cells.
Where can you get them from? From various food sources and electrolyte powders easily available in the market.
Key Takeaways
Hydration is more than a health hack. It is essential to keep your body going. Even mild dehydration can disrupt memory, focus, and reaction time. So, hydrate smart with not just water alone but adding to it the magic ingredients: electrolytes!
