By Erin Leonard, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
Thanks to the movie Jerry Maguire, many may remember that the human head weighs eight pounds. But did you know that the human brain weighs, on average, three pounds? What most people do not realize is that 85 percent of your brain is made of water. So to say that water is important for brain health is an understatement — it’s a necessity!
Some serious potential complications to your brain from dehydration include seizures and cerebral edema. The latter is caused by your brain trying to force water back into your brain cells, causing them to rupture, which can be fatal. Even just mild dehydration can cause effects on the brain that can alter your everyday life. Are you one of those “don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee” kind of people? Well, chances are it may be more than just coffee you need. Lack of water to your brain can cause serious irritability. Caffeine, although good at keeping you awake, works as a diuretic on your body causing you to dehydrate quicker. So when you grab your morning coffee, it’s a good idea to chase that morning cup of “joe” with plenty of water.
Staying well hydrated may also help you beat that afternoon rut, and your co-workers may appreciate a more pleasant you to work with! Although total dehydration can cause some serious health risks, lack of water can cause some serious issues that ruin your day, including difficulty focusing, memory issues, brain fatigue or that “foggy” feeling, headaches, sleep issues, and even depression.
“Water flushes toxins out of vital organs and transports nutrients to your cells,” says Victoria Steinkoenig, neurology advanced practice nurse at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.
If you notice you may be suffering frequently from these symptoms, it’s time to drink up! The average person in the U.S. is said to be drinking less than 32 ounces of water per day. According to Mayo Clinic, the average adult loses about 80 ounces of water throughout the day due to sweating, eliminating wastes, and even just breathing. So how much water does the average, healthy adult need?
There is no magic water intake formula that fits every person. How much water you need depends upon many factors, including your health, your environment, and how active you are. Some people may have congestive heart failure, or another condition where too much water may not be good for them, Steinkoenig says. Therefore, you should talk to your health care provider to see how much water intake would be right for you.
So, determine how much water is suited for you and your brain will thank you!
For more information on brain health and stroke prevention, join Advocate BroMenn Medical Center for an upcoming community event, “Brain Matters,” on Tuesday, June 23rd from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Parke Regency Hotel & Conference Center in Bloomington. This event will include presentations, a Q&A panel discussion and more. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served; registration is required.
To register, call 800-3-ADVOCATE (800-323-8622) and mention event code 6G60, or register online at advocatehealth.com/bromenn, click on “Find a Class.”