Dehydration and chronic dehydration pose significant risks to both short and long-term brain health. Cellular and structural brain changes can lead to cognitive changes, cognitive decline, and increased risk of mental health issues. Unfortunately, hydration is not a part of the larger conversation about what can focus on daily to promote brain health and overall wellness.
In this episode of the Brain Health 365 Podcast, host Brian Browne, and co-host Lizzy Rasmussen tackle the science of this topic and challenge our audience to incorporate mindful changes to their hydration daily routines.
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Timestamps
2:00 Why is water crucial to brain health?
3:20 Water and other physiological functions: temperature regulation, oxygen and nutrient delivery, neural communication, and more
7:58 Role of water in dopamine and serotonin production and function
9:00 Hydration and waste material
11:00 Dehydration, brain volume, and headaches
13:56 Dehydration and cortisol
15:15 Role of chronic dehydration and pseudodementia, concentration, memory, processing speed, and more
20:30 Mood, sleep disruptions, and mental health
25:45 Energy maintenance
26:39 Signs and symptoms of dehydration
29:40 Risk factors for dehydration
30:52 Caffeine and alcohol
33:00 Impact of activity level and climate on daily water intake
33:52 Strategies to improve water intake (including Fun Food Fact)
36:35 Recommended daily water intake and additional strategies (including Less Stress Tip)