What does water do for your brain? (2023)

What does water do for your brain?

Water helps your brain cells communicate with each other, clears out toxins and waste that impairs brain function, and carries nutrients to your brain. This all falls apart if your fluid levels drop. Staying hydrated has been linked to: Faster decision making and improved performance on cognitive tests.

When you drink too much water, you may experience water poisoning, intoxication, or a disruption of brain function. This happens when there's too much water in the cells (including brain cells), causing them to swell. When the cells in the brain swell they cause pressure in the brain.

To keep your brain adequately hydrated, it is recommended that women consume 2 to 2.7 liters (8 to 11 cups) and men consume 2.5 to 3.7 liters (10 to 15 cups) of fluids per day, though individual needs may vary depending on activity level and medication use [9].

As much as dehydration impacts your ability to think clearly, it can also make it very difficult to remember things. That's why it's so important to stay hydrated – it actually improves your memory! Various studies have shown that mild-to-moderate levels of dehydration can impair short-term memory.

Water has a powerful physiological effect on your body – so much so that even drinking a glass of water can calm your nerves. This is because water triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's 'rest and digest' response.

Water makes you smarter – Water increases your cognitive function. Your brain needs a lot of oxygen in order to function at optimal levels.

Alcohol makes it harder for the brain areas controlling balance, memory, speech, and judgment to do their jobs, resulting in a higher likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes. Long-term heavy drinking causes alterations in the neurons, such as reductions in their size.

Water or electrolyte replenishment beverages like Sqwincher are an excellent choice, but coffee and even food (especially those with high water content) work, too.

Prolonged dehydration causes brain cells to shrink in size and mass, a condition common in many elderly who have been dehydrated for years. Lack of mental clarity, sometimes referred to as “brain fog.”

Does drinking water help you mentally?

Research also shows that water is important for maintaining your mental health. Dehydration may increase your risk of anxiety and depression, among other unhealthy mental states.

Lower risk of anxiety and depression:

A study conducted in 2018 demonstrated that people who drank less water had a higher risk of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, individuals who drank a sufficient amount of water daily were more likely to be mentally healthy and happy.