There’s no disputing that we Britons don’t drink enough water. According to various surveys and research, just 1 in 10 of us consumes enough water to qualify for being adequately hydrated.
This is a cause for concern, as maintaining even the minimum levels of hydration is vital to our ability to function, albeit not even close to optimal levels.
Just as important, seeing as 10 October is #WorldMentalHealthDay, our brain needs water most of all. Our brains are our command centres: how we think, act, take action or perform any task all stems from the signals we receive from our brain.
That’s why maintaining a decent level of hydration is crucial.
How dehydration affects the brain
While mild dehydration is loss of 1.5 percent of a body’s normal water volume, a level of hydration just one percent below optimal can affect our cognitive ability, affect our moods and make it more difficult to concentrate.
It alters how we think and feel by slowing circulation. This lowers blood flow, which means less oxygen travelling to all parts of the body, including the brain.
As dehydration worsens, cognitive function is further impaired, leading to delirium. Severe dehydration can cause unconsciousness and even coma.
How good hydration helps
Drinking enough water keeps our brain from having to struggle against the effects of dehydration, allowing us to think more clearly, giving us the ability to function better overall.
Drinking water regularly throughout the day is an easy, effective step to take in our efforts to be as mentally healthy as possible, bearing in mind that staying hydrated by drinking enough water is but one aspect of good physical, emotional, and mental health.
Here at AquAid Water Coolers, we take hydration seriously. At every turn, and every season, we encourage Britons to drink water more. If you would like to ensure that you have access to refreshing drinking water wherever you are in the UK, contact us at AquAid – with over 20 years’ experience in the provision of high quality water dispensers, we are well equipped with being able to provide you with the perfect drinking water solution.
