The Science Behind Hydration

Hydration is defined as replenishing a lack of water in the body and according to the NHS website, they recommend we drink 6-8 cups of water a day (roughly about 2 litres of water a day). 

Read more about this here: https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/hydration

So what is the science behind being hydrated? 

Drinking water is good for you, we all know that. But what does it ACTUALLY do to the body and mind?

The human body is roughly 60% water. The brain and kidney possess the most water percentage, with the bones and teeth containing the least. Hydration prevents inflammation in the body, it improves the cells ability to turn foods into fuel, it regulates body temperature, reduces blood pressure, lubricates joints, improves liver and metabolic functions, transports nutrients around the body and protects your organs. So there is no wonder we feel good after drinking enough water. 

What does hydration do for the mind? 

According to an article published on https://www.yourheights.com/blog/health/what-does-water-do-for-the-brain the main benefits of staying hydrated on your brain are:

• Water can help to balance your hormone levels: It plays a role in producing neurotransmitters and hormones and is also necessary for lowering your levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
• It maintains the fluid levels that protect your brain and spinal cord from trauma and injury.
• Maintain neurogenesis (creation of new neurons) and overall brain cell health, including cell production, function and longevity.
• Flush out toxins and metabolic waste that accumulates in the brain.
• Maintains proper blood circulation, and transport vitamins, minerals and oxygen to your brain.

When we are not adequately hydrated, we usually feel this in our brains first, as we may find it hard to concentrate, we can feel fatigued, hungry, thirsty and cloudiness called ‘brain fog’. 

Tips for Staying Hydrated Throughout the Day

1. Have a glass of water when you wake up. We wake up dehydrated and often will reach straight for a coffee, which is a diuretic (meaning it can cause frequent urination) which can further dehydrate you. 
2.  Find a large water bottle and keep it near you at all times. There are plenty on Amazon which are BPA free, leakproof and have a built-in straw for no-fuss sipping. 
3. Set reminders on your phone for regular hydration breaks. 
4. Drink a glass of water before every meal, this is a good way to keep count of how many glasses of water you are drinking.