The Surprising Reason You Get Brain Fog More in the Summer

Aug 22, 2023 2 Min Read
woman pouring water from faucet
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The Science Behind Brain Fog

Water is life.

Pure water is the world's first and foremost medicine. - Slovakian proverb

Water is indispensable to the operation of each brain cell. And sometimes, getting enough can be a challenge.

Your brain is 80% water, and it's important to maintain stability. Even a small "drop-off" has consequences.

 

A 2018 study[1] found a 2% loss in hydration causes a measurable loss in focus and cognition. Two percent isn't that much. We may not even feel thirsty. If dehydration hits 5%, your loss of focus and concentration hits 35%.

Another study[2] found even one percent produces deficits.

All this can lead to mid-day grumpiness.

Here's one thing you can do right now:

   Drink one cup of water with each meal.

In no time your brain links meal and water. It becomes a habit. Remember, brains get good at what they do. Neuroplasticity!

( And, of course, sip water often all day. It does add up.)

You may also like these articles:

How to Make Your Brain 41.66% Happier

This is Your Brain on Music

Are You Short-Changing Your Brain?

Laughter is Good For Your Brain

So, maintaining a good mood might just meaning adding water.

Water is the soul of the earth. - W.H. Auden

This article was first published on terrysmall.com

This article is also available in Chinese.

To read more interesting facts about the brain by Terry Small, please click here

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Edited by: Kiran Tuljaram

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Tags: Wellness, Brain Bulletin

References:

1. Wittbrodt M.T. Millard-Stafford, M. Dehydration Impairs Cognitive Performance: A Meta-Analysis. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Nov., 2018

2. Stachenfeld, N. et al.  Water Intake Reverses Dehydration Associated with Impaired Executive Function in Healthy Young Women, Physiology & Behavior, Mar., 2018

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Terry Small is a brain expert who resides in Canada and believes that anyone can learn how to learn easier, better, and faster; and that learning to learn is the most important skill a person can acquire.

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