With the pandemic, global warming, and other challenges we face at this time of day, mental well-being is crucial and needs to have our full attention. We often forget how to track our diet, what we eat or drink, and how to be consistent. However, does water have memory? You’re probably still confused about how the two are intertwined and wondering why we need to drink it. What would happen if we were too busy to have a glass or two?
Here are some of the reasons why it is a must:
The brain
The source of our intellect and survival, our brain consists of cells have approximately billions of neurons that are responsible for basic commands, how we think, eat, move, and practically everything we do. We can call it a human being’s control system. It consists of about 75% water and weighs three pounds for a fully grown adult, studies show.
Three major parts of the brain
- Cerebellum. It is in charge of basic control and balance
- Encephalic trunk. It is in charge of breathing, digestion, and pumping blood
- Brain cortex. Coordinates neurons with impulses and signals
Brain hemisphere
- Left hemisphere. It is dominant in calculation, speech, and reasoning (logic)
- Right hemisphere. Good intuition, creativity, music and arts (artistic)
Brain lobes
- Frontal. Planning and emotions
- Parietal. Processing major senses
- Temporal. Memory and face recognition
- Occipital. Responsible for vision
Now, you are familiar with the primary parts of the brain and how each element functions. Let us start by discovering the reason why we frequently have to have water in our system.
Role of water
Water is present in every part of our body, from our brain, and lungs even to our teeth. We all know that in our entire system, we have roughly about 70% water, which makes it a huge factor in how it operates. There are several roles listed below that you should know about:
Hormone production
The brain needs water and nutrients to create hormones that are typically released in the bloodstream by glands carrying specific instructions for each cell action, as neurotransmitters are tiny molecules that relay synapse signals from one neuron that regulate our emotions and feelings.
Major types of neurotransmitters
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It signals our brain to be calm and relax
- Melatonin. Responsible for our sleep-wake cycle
- Oxytocin. plays a big role in social connection or love hormone
- Adrenaline. Initial response in a scary situation
- Dopamine. Transmits happiness to our brain
Insufficient water levels can cause their function to be compromised. To monitor your consumption and feel better, have a water chart handy.
Cell structure
We all know that cells are the fundamental component of all living things, it has different functions for specific parts of the body, but their primary role is to get the nutrients and turn them into energy. Without it, cells are unable to function well as they are supposed to and may cause a domino effect on their structure.
Brain works faster
A well-hydrated person tends to think faster than those who are not. Why? Since water fuels and gives electrical energy back to the body that allows the brain to function well. It also focuses on certain things in your brain and increases your attention.
Maintained memory
Studies indicate that when your body is dehydrated, your brain mass will decline beyond the typical size, which can lead to cognitive disorders: fatigue, stress, short-term memory loss, etc. Severe cases may lead to dementia or to a period in which the brain deteriorates over time and is unable to distinguish people, items, or places. With the help of water, you can be able to prevent this kind of scenario and make it work even better when you fuel it by drinking your h2Os.
Regulates your temperature
Our body has different temperatures depending on our gender, age, and physical activities. The average temperature is 37 Celsius, but if you’re sick and experiencing a high fever, water makes sure to stabilize the heat to prevent the brain from overheating.
Other Health Benefits
Water not only has an advantage in the brain but the whole body as well:
- Helps the kidneys in removing unwanted toxins and wastes
- Replenishes the body after strenuous activities
- Reduce friction and inflammation in joints
- Makes your skin flawless and prevents drying and cracking
- Digestion makes it easier
- A great partner for effective weight loss
Ways for a healthy brain
Water consumption for men should be around 2.5–3.7 litres per day on average and 2–2.7 litres for women on average. Now, you know how complicated the brain works, and it’s time to figure out how you can protect it and make it healthier.
Drink clean water
Water has several benefits that you can get but it is not enough that you drink tap water, and it is a must to have your water filtered. You could also check some of the research conducted available online on the best whole-house filters to ensure you get cleaner water at home. Having the best nutrients for your brain and entire body it is the simple explanation of why you need to drink clean water.
Avoid caffeinated drinks
Carbonated beverages such as cola are one of the main reasons that dehydrate your body and make you even thirstier. Replace this bad habit and turn it into a good one by making sure to have eight glasses a day of water.
Eat fruits and veggies
To maintain your water level and receive additional health benefits, watermelon, peaches, cabbage, tomatoes, and cucumber are some of the fruits and vegetables you can consider eating.
Sharpen your brain
One way to keep the mind functioning and remaining alert is to play mental-related games. For indoor games that concentrate the brain on making strategies to win, chess and playing cards are suitable. Not only do you love playing them this way, but it also allows the brain to get a good workout. Another way is by reading, where you will be able to get additional information or practice your imagination in bestseller novels.
Have a good night’s sleep
Your brain feeds a lot of information from the moment you wake up, doing your daily routines until you make your way back into bed at night. The mind becomes tired at some point, and if it doesn’t have enough rest, it tends to work slowly. So better make it a habit to sleep early and tuck yourself in bed.
Takeaway
Indeed, the brain can do a lot for us, it can be complicated as it is, and we should be grateful for how it can help us think, move, and appreciate things around us. With the help of the tips mentioned above, it won’t be hard to take care of it by following them.
Tommy Williamson did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
