Because most people don’t drink enough water throughout the day, dehydration is a common problem. This is largely because most people believe they don’t need to drink as much water when it’s not particularly warm outside or they aren’t particularly active.
Because they drink other liquids and sit at a desk all day, most people assume that their fluid levels are within the normal range. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recently published new findings that call into question this long-held belief.
According to the findings, even a small amount of dehydration can impair our brain’s ability to function properly. Previous studies found that a loss of 2 percent or more of one’s body weight in water would have a negative impact on one’s memory, attention, and mood.
Drinking enough water is essential for a healthy life on all levels. It’s essential for the body’s ability to function properly and for the transportation of oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body.
New research shows that lack of water in the body has a negative impact on the body much earlier than previously thought, well before the 2% loss that is typically associated with prolonged athletic activity.
At 30°C for four hours, the study included 101 healthy adults, and each participant’s weight was measured 50 times at five-second intervals using a highly sensitive electronic scale.
Those who were more dehydrated had poorer memory and attention, while those who said they were thirstier reported feeling less energised and more anxious after four hours. Urine concentration predicted cognitive functioning. Each participant’s memory was tested after a four-hour period, and those who had drank water performed better.
Dehydration can have a significant impact on the brain function of healthy adults at a lower level of dehydration than previously thought. To avoid dehydration, children and the elderly should be closely monitored.
