Drink Water & Gain an Extra 20% of Brain Power?
When the human body is dehydrated brain function decreases by 20-30%. Considering an estimated 75% of North Americans are chronically dehydrated this means three quarters of the North American population is not experiencing their full cognitive potential. A study done by a research team in the United Kingdom found that the brain uses metabolic resources inefficiently during and following episodes of dehydration. Their research also found that dehydrated participants needed to exert a higher level of neuronal activity in order to achieve the same performance level their hydrated selves were able to achieve.
During times of physical stress (including dehydration) the body is programmed to allocate body systems a certain percentage of overall metabolic resources. Researchers found that when the body is in a state of water deprivation brain systems used for ‘higher functioning’ such as the planning and visuo-spatial processing system are given less resources for functioning… Yikes! Just think of all the potential ideas, innovations, companies, and technologies that are ‘on hold’ because someone just needs to consume a couple more glasses of water per day.
Here are some easy ways to increase your water consumption and increase your mental potential:
1. Eat Fruits & Vegetables high in Water Content
- Zucchini: 1 cup of zucchini contains over 100ml of water and is high in fiber
- Cucumber: 1 cup of sliced cucumber contains 100ml of water and is soothing to the stomach
- Mushrooms: White mushrooms are made up of 93.9% water and contain Vitamins B7 and the antioxidant Selenium
- Pineapple: 1 cup of pineapple has 223ml of water plus contains enzymes that help with digestion
- Cherries: 1 cup of pitted cherries has 127ml of water and is also high in fiber
- Apples: 1 large apple has 191ml of water and is a great source of quercetin (a natural allergy suppressant).
2. Choose Cooked Oatmeal or Soaked Chia Seeds for Breakfast: One cup of cooked oatmeal has 197ml of water, plus the soluble fiber has a great effect on cholesterol levels. Chia seeds soaked overnight in water or almond milk is a great breakfast choice especially when topped with grated apple and toasted almonds.
3. Flavor Your Water: Adding fresh fruit or herbs to water is a great way to make water taste amazing and improve metabolism. Throw some cucumber slices and thyme for to soothe the digestive tract, or lemon and rosemary to increase memory and metabolism.
Try increasing your water consumption for the upcoming week, you might be smarter than you think!
