WATER

 

How Does Water Affect Your Brain?

  • Your brain is about 75% water.  When your brain is functioning on a full reserve of water, you will be able to think faster, be more focused, and experience greater clarity and creativity.
  • Water is also essential for delivering nutrients to the brain and for removing toxins.  When the brain is fully hydrated, the exchange of nutrients and toxins will be more efficient—thus ensuring better concentration and mental alertness.

How Much Should You Actually Drink?

Since everybody is unique, everyone needs a different amount of water per day. The amount of water you need is based on many factors including your gender, height, weight and activity level.

  • The color of your urine can help you determine your hydration level. If your urine is very light yellow (like lemonade) and has little odor, you’re well hydrated. The darker and more aromatic your urine, the more dehydrated you are.
  • Moderate consumption of caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea are fine, but they are acidic beverages that dehydrate you, so they don’t count toward your daily hydration goal. For every caffeinated beverage you have, have a glass or bottle of water; your body and mind will thank you. Think of it as a 1:1 ratio.

How to Stay Hydrated

  • Carry a reusable water bottle  with you at all times and refill it at one of the many H2O stations on-campus. Check out the  UC Davis H2O station map  to find the most convenient spot for you!
  • Infuse water with fruit, vegetables or herbs  for a tasty alternative to soda or sugary drinks.
  • If you enjoy carbonated beverages,  try unsweetened sparkling water .
  • Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to drink water  throughout the day.
  • Drink a glass of water when you wake up in the morning.
  • Sometimes thirst is confused with hunger.  Try drinking a glass of water when you feel hungry before eating. If you are still hungry after, then find some nutritious food to eat!

To learn more about hydration, read our  Staying Hydrated Blog Post .

You Can Eat Your Water Too!

  • Eating high water content foods helps you achieve your daily hydration goal, and it also helps you consume the recommended 7-9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
  • Watermelon and strawberries contain about 92 percent water per volume along with grapefruit and cantaloupe.
  • On top of the vegetables list are cucumber and lettuce, consisting of 96 percent water. Zucchini, radish and celery are comprised of 95 percent water.

Signs of Dehydration

  • Dehydration causes your brain to not run at full speed. Some of the mental symptoms of dehydration include brain fog, afternoon fatigue, focus issues, depression, anger, exhaustion, headaches, sleep issues, stress, and a lack of mental clarity and acuity.