The human body is more than 60% water. Blood is 92% water, the brain and muscles are 75% water, and bones are about 22% water. So, in order for your blood to flow properly through your body to your brain when you are thinking, it is important to drink enough water.
“Lots of studies have shown that dehydration is linked to poor performance on memory and attention tasks,” says Caroline Edmonds, PhD, University of East London senior psychology lecturer. Some research has shown, for example, that the fluid-filled spaces in the brain become enlarged when someone is dehydrated, which causes brain tissue to shrink and makes it harder to think. Thirst can be maddeningly distracting, too. When it’s gone, the brain is free to focus on more important things.
To test water’s brain-boosting power, Edmonds asked 34 thirsty men and women to perform a series of mental tasks, measuring their reaction time, memory and learning capabilities. Half were given water; the other half weren’t. The subjects who guzzled about 2 cups of water before completing the tasks increased their reaction time by 14 percent. In addition, the water drinkers felt happier, less confused, and more relaxed.
Your body loses water overnight while you breathe (and if you sweat) when you're sleeping, so it's important to drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up to help get things moving. Caffeine also causes your body to lose water.
Plain water is refreshing, but if you want to add a
little flavor, slice (with adult supervision) fruit such as lemons, limes, strawberries, or
pineapple. Add it to your water bottle, and let it chill in the
fridge.
How much water is enough? A good rule is to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces. How much do you weigh? How much water should you be drinking? Are you drinking enough?
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