Written By: Renee Rouleau - M.S. Neuroscience and Bridges for Parkinson’s medical contributor

Hello friends! We’re back with a ”supplement” about supplements! Although it is ideal to get vitamins and nutrients through whole and healthy foods, sometimes that’s not easy, or your body needs an extra boost. Supplements can help manage symptoms and support brain health by filling in nutritional gaps where regular meals might fall short, essential nutrients for optimal brain function.

DRINK UP!

The brain is approximately 85 percent water, and brain function, including the nervous system— depends on having abundant access to water.

The average person in the U.S. drinks less than a quart (32 ounces) of water a day. Yet, according to the Mayo Clinic, the average adult loses more than 80 ounces of water every day through sweating, breathing, and eliminating waste. If you drink less than 80 ounces of water a day, no wonder you have brain fog! Your brain cannot store water. When your body loses more water than you are replacing, dehydration will kick in and brain function will be affected. Drinking water and brain function are integrally linked. Lack of water to the brain can cause numerous symptoms, including:

• Difficulty focusing
• Memory loss
• Brain fatigue and fog
• Slow thought-processing
• Headaches
• Sleep issues
• Depression and anxiety
• Balance issues
• Water and Brain Energy

Water gives the brain electrical energy for all brain functions, including thought and memory processes. In fact, brain cells need two times more energy than other cells in the body.

Hydration is also needed for the brain’s production of hormones and neurotransmitters. Nerve transmission requires one-half of all the brain’s energy.

Brain Symptoms of Dehydration
Studies show if your brain drops only two percent in hydration, you may suffer from cognitive issues, short-term memory loss, and problems with focusing.