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HYDRATION AND ITS EFFECT ON THE BRAIN
20.07.2021

HYDRATION AND ITS EFFECT ON THE BRAIN

The human body contains approximately 60% water. All physiological processes take place in the aquatic environment, including the supply of nutrients to the cells as well as the removal and excretion of unnecessary substances from the body. Water regulates body temperature, helps to optimally adjust the functionality of tissues, and directly stabilizes the functionality of our body.

The amount of water change in the long-term regime in terms of total body weight, especially in the daily regime, depends on the physical activity performed and the outside temperature. In addition, other parameters affect the intake of water from various fluids, diet, nutritional supplements, but especially the current stress and stress factors.

The average daily consumption of water and fluids, in general, varies considerably from 2-3 liters in normal exercise to 5-6 or more liters with high physical activity. Our body excretes water constantly, so its replenishment is necessary, not only for optimal organ activity but also for brain activity. Its deficiency can cause dehydration. Even relatively low dehydration results in feeling thirsty, indigestion, decreased concentration of exercise, weakness, fatigue, exhaustion, and headaches. The water content in brain tissues is relatively higher than in other physiological tissues, where it makes up about 80% of the brain, and therefore its deficiency is immediately reflected in brain functions. In addition to the feeling of pain, hot flashes fundamentally affect motoric functions and significantly affect short-term or long-term memory.

To achieve optimal functioning of the organism, it is necessary to set a suitable drinking regime, which is significantly influenced by various individual aspects, but especially gender, age, health, diet, current weather, season, and especially the level and extent of physical activity. Depending on the above, regular and continuous fluid replenishment is important. It is important to know that only water may not always be the best drink.

Athletes are often dependent only on the intake of fluids during exercise, so fluids and beverages with the addition of carbohydrates and minerals are most suitable for their effective performance. It is appropriate to respect the status that a decrease in physical performance occurs when the deficit of body fluids exceeds 1-3% of body weight. Optimal hydration maintains the proper flow of blood circulation, stabilizes breathing and oxygen supply, and helps the overall supply of important nutrients to our body and especially to the brain as the center of our thinking. The brain is very sensitive to a lack of fluids and signals the need to replenish them in the form of thirst. When there is a lack of fluids, the brain also regulates individual organ tissues and sets them in operation only in a minimal standby mode.

Water is therefore not only a body and transport fluid, water is a necessary medium for optimizing physiological functions. Water is a source of energy, hydration but also detoxification, physical saturation, and regeneration, water improves sports performance.