Drinking enough water plays a role in improving decision-making

The researchers stated: “The human body is composed of about 70 percent of the water, and drinking enough safe water helps to boost physical and mental health.

People face difficult life decisions on a daily basis and should be able to process a lot of information in a limited time. To overcome these challenges, many create mental shortcuts that may lead to loss of important information or misplaced biases, which is why we are constantly trying to find ways to judge more in order to improve productivity and performance.

So what can we do to make better decisions in life? For answers, we can take a look at the world around us. Water is the most and most essential compound on this planet and it is not hidden to anyone that all living things need water to survive.

In the recent study, participants’ cognitive function after avoiding eating and drinking from the night before with the time of eating enough water was investigated. The researchers found that people who had drank 500 ml of water before the experiment showed better performance in tasks to measure cognitive reflection in judgment and decision making. In addition, experts found that drinking water in people aged 18 to 30 improves memory and concentration.

Inappropriate hydration

Inappropriate hydration may have many adverse effects. For example, excessive hydration causes an imbalance of electrolyte levels in the body and a dramatic reduction in sodium levels. Without sodium, the brain cannot initiate the electrical impulses required by neurons to communicate properly, and without proper communication, decision-making and judgment are impaired.

Given that hydration is too harmful, about 80 percent of people say they don’t drink enough water. One of the effects of mild dehydration is blockage of blood flow in the brain. Proper blood flow to the brain is effective for healthy cognitive function. Circulating blood supplies essential brain oxygen and nutrients for proper functioning.

In addition, dehydration increases the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol. Increased cortisol levels are associated with cognitive dysfunction and decision-making problems.

For example, in 2018, the results of a survey of 56 participants who were randomly exposed to social stressors were analyzed. Participants showed higher heart rate, more negative mood and decreased decision making in stress conditions. Finally, adequate hydration may contribute to maximum cognitive function.

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Even if you understand the benefits of water consumption, you may have limitations on water consumption (H2O), however, a few solutions can show an increase in the likelihood of proper water intake and its impact on the decision-making process as described below.

Environmental Signs

Changing the living environment can increase the likelihood of success in more water consumption. For example, ensuring keeping a bottle of water throughout the day may be a “symptom” for the brain in drinking a sip of water. Also, setting reminders for more drinking using the phone app or alarm may help track usage and cause you to set up a daily schedule.

Daily tasks

Creating a daily schedule can sustain the goal of proper water consumption over time. To do this, it may be helpful to set this goal with the previous routine. For example, having water bottles on a walk can improve the likelihood of long-term water use.

Finally, ensuring that we are properly hydrated can help improve cognitive function and decision making. It is important to note that proper water consumption may vary for each individual. Age, physical activity, health status and other factors may affect consumption. To ensure a balanced intake of liquids, it is essential to continuously assess your hydration status. In general, if we prepare ourselves for success by changing the environment and creating daily tasks, then we can improve the likelihood of achieving watering goals in the body, which will lead to better decision-making in life.

The cases provided should not be used to diagnose or treat cases of health or illness, and people seeking medical advice should consult a specialist.