Can a Lack of Hydration Cause Decreased Brain Function?

Can a Lack of Hydration Cause Decreased Brain Function?

By now, hopefully, we all know how important it is to drink plenty of water for beneficial health. Most doctors recommend drinking at least eight cups of water every day. For this reason, it is a good idea to carry 350ml bottled water with you when you leave home. However, what you may not know is that a lack of hydration can have a negative impact on cognitive function.

Fitness Woman Drinking Water On Summer

Decreased Cognitive Performance

A recent study carried out by Dr. Caroline Edmonds found that dehydration has a negative impact on cognitive function. This study found that even a low level of dehydration could have a detrimental effect. The study had 34 subjects; they were asked not to drink water overnight and then they were tested. The tests carried out were cognitive assessments comprised of neuropsychological tests that are known as CANTAB. The results showed that when participants were given a glass of water immediately before the test they had an increased reaction time of around 14%. Another study found that visual information processing improved when the participants drank water, but this only occurred in subjects that classified themselves as thirsty before they drank.

The Ramifications

This research is very interesting for a number of different reasons. Firstly, it shows us how important it is to stay hydrated throughout the day for maximum cognitive function. Secondly, it proves that drinking some water prior to commencing a challenging mental task will significantly improve performance. This has massive ramifications for those of us in the workplace with mentally challenging jobs, and students that need to concentrate for lectures and examinations. For this reason, it is a great idea to always have a 350ml bottled water on hand to sip from throughout the day.

Hot Water

Seasonal Changes

Staying hydrated can be a challenge at the best of times, and many of us forget to drink regularly. This can be exacerbated in summer when more water is required to achieve adequate hydration. If you feel thirsty, then you’re already dehydrated to a mild degree. As we have seen in this recent study, even a mild amount of dehydration will have a significant impact on cognitive function. However, staying hydrated doesn’t have to be a chore, if you find water boring why not spice things up a bit? Try taking 350ml bottled spring water, drink half the bottle and then top it up with fruit juice for an effective on the go isotonic drink. Another solution is to make an ice tea at home with filtered water and then decant it into a metal flask that should stay cool for hours.

If you would like to know more about staying hydrated, contact us here at Aussie Natural Spring Water. We have a wealth of experience and a wide variety of products for sale, such as water filtration systems, water coolers, and bottled spring water. We have 10L, 1.5L, 600ml and 350ml bottled water sourced from local springs available, and we can deliver to your business or home.

Linh KnightwoodLinh Knightwood
05:13 25 Jan 22
Best water, service and price! Dealt with Hayley through email who was efficient and friendly and Mary over the phone more recently to add more bottles to be delivered and she was easy to understand and prompt ! Love having good cold water in Perths summer heat and it’s made better when it’s so easy to access with their delivery service and the great customer service they provide.
Nam SilvestriNam Silvestri
02:25 20 Jan 22
What a huge improvement from the last company I used. Service is great, super lovely staff who actually want your business and go out of their way. Water always on time and prompt. Great value and great service. Well done guys. I highly recommend.
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05:54 19 Apr 21
Nice and fast service.
OwenOwen
01:46 07 Mar 21
Best water in Perth
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03:51 14 Jul 20
Great value and rapid customer support
Tanya BoltTanya Bolt
12:25 26 Feb 20
When your daughter mentions that the water at Mummy's house is better than at Daddy's house you know your onto something good. If a 5yo can taste the difference in the water quality what's that say about what is coming out of our taps. Thanks for making the small changes I've made in our health easy. Delivery guy is always polite and happy to carry the bottles to where I store them. Staff, on the few times I've had to visit the Wangara office, are always polite. Really if you want to do something good for your family then Aussie Natural Spring Water is a no brainer. You won't regret the change.
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