WATER

Concentrating On Concentration: How Filtered Water Aids Brain Function

Have you ever thought how cool, clear, filtered water can make a real difference to concentration and brain health?

Many of us realise that drinking water regularly throughout the day helps with digestion, flushing away toxins and general health, but the brain is not often considered as needing water for its vitality and function.

Water consumption and brain function are vitally linked

It’s true. Over 70% of the body is composed of water and every function in the body is dependent on water, including the activities of the brain and nervous system.

Just like other organs in the body, the brain needs fuel to function effectively; and the fuel it requires is water. It sounds incredible, but the brain is approximately 85% water and so to function at its peak it depends on having abundant access to water.

Try to recall when you’ve been very thirsty, or have gone several hours without a drink. How did you feel?

 

How water aids brain function

Water gives the brain the electrical energy it needs for all its functions. This includes thought and memory processes and so it follows that a reduction of water to this vital organ can cause numerous symptoms including problems with focus, memory and concentration, as well as causing brain fatigue, headaches, sleep issues, a low mood and other negative aspects.

Water forms a fundamental part of our transport system and is essential for delivering nutrients to the brain and for taking toxins away. The hormones, elements and chemicals that our nerve centre needs, are conveyed to and fro suspended in water by a hard working transportation network.

When the brain is fully hydrated, the exchange of nutrients and toxins is highly efficient; the result being better concentration and greater mental alertness.

A constant water supply

Here’s another question. Why do we have to drink water regularly?

It’s simple. Our brain doesn’t have a storage tank, so for optimal brain function it needs to be fuelled regularly. When the brain is functioning on a full reserve of water and is being topped up frequently, we are able to think faster, be more focused, and experience greater clarity and creativity.

What is dehydration?

When your body loses more water than you are replacing, dehydration will kick in and brain function will be affected.

Studies have shown that if you are only 1% dehydrated, you will likely have a 5% decrease in cognitive function. A reduction of 2% could cause further confusion, problems with focusing and difficulty with otherwise simple mental exercises such as adding or multiplying numbers.

Research has also shown that prolonged dehydration causes brain cells to shrink in size and mass. As this happens as we age too, it’s imperative that older people stay well hydrated, even if their activity levels have fallen.

Water for youngsters

We now know that we all need to be drinking enough water each day to keep the brain well fuelled for optimum function, but it’s not just the adults!

Youngsters need to keep hydrated too, especially at school where they need to concentrate, stay focused and be able to follow instructions. Encouraging them to have a glass of water after their lunch and again at break-time can bring huge benefits. And keeping water levels up when they arrive home is equally important. Quietly placing a glass of cool filtered water next to them as they do battle with maths homework will go a long way to helping those neurotransmitters do their work.

 

How does a water filter help brain function and concentration

The bottom line is that people of all ages need water, and if the brain is to function well, it has to receive the water it needs.

But remember one very important thing.  The quality of water to drink is significant, especially for brain health. Making sure it’s healthy, free from contaminants and bacteria, and filtered to remove disinfectants, hardness and foreign