In today’s busy lifestyle, some people often suffer from forgetfulness and loss of focus. It is usually thought to be caused by fatigue, stress, workload or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but experts believe that one of the main reasons behind it is dehydration. This problem of brain dysfunction is more common among young generation and working people due to insufficient water intake.
According to nutritionists, the prevalence of this problem is highest among the working middle class these days. People who sit for long hours in the office or go for a walk outside forget to take proper care of their health in the busyness of the day. Long journeys, irregular eating habits, excessive stress and frequent consumption of tea and coffee reduce the amount of water in the body. Nutritionists warn that if this problem persists, it can lead to premature aging, various serious diseases and increase the risk of premature death.
Pointing to a direct link between the brain and dehydration, experts suggest that disruption of fluid balance in the body can reduce the brain’s cognitive abilities. A loss of just two percent of total body weight is considered dehydration and impairs mental abilities such as memory and attention. A lack of water slows down the exchange of information or signals at the cellular level, making the brain’s neurons less efficient, even when they are active, and making it harder to think, remember or calculate.
There are several early signs of dehydration and easy ways to check for it. The first sign is intense thirst, but by the time you’re thirsty, your body’s performance already begins to decline, according to experts. Also, dark urine is a clear indication of the body’s need for water. On the other hand, dehydration can be detected by pinching the skin on the back of the hand or the abdomen for a few seconds. If the skin returns to its original state after release, the body has the correct amount of fluid, but if the skin continues to shrivel or slowly return to normal, this may be a sign of dehydration. However, this skin test is not completely reliable in older people because their skin is naturally thinner.
Regular intake of adequate water is essential to maintain health despite changing lifestyles and busy schedules. Given the adverse effects this seemingly common problem has on the human brain and overall health, medical scientists and nutritionists are advising everyone to maintain proper levels of water in their bodies and practice drinking water at work.