As this week is Mental Health Week we always love to share tips about the benefits of hydration.
Hydration during stressful times can make a huge difference to mood and brain function and it is often overlooked as a simple regular habit to help maintain healthy brain function; without water we quickly de-hydrate and normal physical functions are deeply affected including mental function, brain capacity and the ability to function coherently.
Our bodies are made up of approximately 70% water and nutrients travel through our body via water pathways, so lack of good hydration can mean our bodies fill quickly with toxins not leaving our bodies efficiently.
It is a common misconception that you need to be an athlete or sportsperson to maintain hydration, but all humans need to maintain excellent hydration to ensure our bodies and especially our brain function is not lessened significantly. The brain represents no more than 1/50th of our body weight, it utilises 1/20th of the body's supply of water and blood. Should we not drink enough water, the brain itself can suffer.
Keeping hydrated is an important part of overall health but especially important in those with mental illness, even a small amount of dehydration can exacerbate underlying conditions. For the best possible mental health, advisors recommend you drink eight glasses of fluid a day and at least five should be pure water.
These are a handful of reasons why water is without a doubt one most the essential substance on the planet but also key to maintaining a healthy brain and good mental health.