Lack of water can make people stupid

Lack of Water Can Affect Brain Function

Not drinking enough water can significantly increase the risk of cognitive impairment.

In hot weather, excessive sweating leads to greater water loss. If you don't replenish fluids in time, it can negatively impact various parts of your body-including your brain. Could dehydration make you "less sharp"?

In May 2023, a research team from Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital published a study on the link between beverage consumption and cognitive impairment in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

The results showed that drinking water, tea, coffee, and milk all help protect against cognitive decline. In contrast, a daily water intake of less than 1500 ml-especially below 500 ml-was identified as a risk factor for cognitive impairment.

However, this doesn't mean you should overconsume water. Both dehydration and excessive hydration can negatively affect cognitive function.

1. Constipation:

When there is a long-term lack of water, the large intestine will absorb the water in the food residue, the stool will become dry, and the peristalsis of the large intestine will slow down, which is easy to cause constipation.

2. Kidney stones:

If the body is often dehydrated, the kidneys may reabsorb water, resulting in concentrated urine and even kidney stones.

3. Gout:

Gout is caused by increased uric acid or reduced excretion in the body, and urate deposits in joints, kidneys, and other parts. Drinking less water will prevent uric acid from being excreted smoothly, and the risk of gout will increase.

4. Thrombosis:

If patients with high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and high blood sugar do not drink enough water, blood viscosity will increase, blood circulation will slow down, and myocardial infarction and cerebral thrombosis will be easily caused.

5. Joint pain:

The cartilage filling the joints is mainly composed of water. When dehydrated, the cartilage tissue will weaken and aggravate joint pain.

6. Some cancers:
Drinking more water is beneficial to the digestive tract, blood and urinary system. People who drink more water have a lower risk of bladder cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, ureteral cancer and renal pelvis cancer.

1. Constipation:
Chronic dehydration causes the large intestine to absorb more water from food waste, leading to dry stool and slowed intestinal movement, which increases the risk of constipation.

2. Kidney Stones:
When the body lacks sufficient water, the kidneys reabsorb more fluid, resulting in concentrated urine, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

3. Gout:
Gout occurs when uric acid levels rise or its excretion decreases, leading to urate buildup in joints, kidneys, and other areas. Inadequate water intake can hinder uric acid elimination, increasing the risk of gout.

4. Thrombosis:
For individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar, insufficient water intake can thicken the blood, slow circulation, and increase the risk of conditions like myocardial infarction and cerebral thrombosis.

5. Joint Pain:
Cartilage, which cushions the joints, is primarily composed of water. Dehydration weakens cartilage tissue, potentially worsening joint pain.

6. Certain Cancers:
Adequate hydration benefits the digestive, circulatory, and urinary systems. Studies suggest that people who drink more water may have a lower risk of bladder, prostate, testicular, ureteral, and renal pelvis cancers.

Healthy Drinks for Hydration and Wellness

1. Warm Boiled Water – More Thirst-Quenching

Water that has been boiled and naturally cooled to 20–25°C is an ideal choice for hydration. It effectively quenches thirst without causing discomfort to the digestive system.

2. Lemon Water – Refreshing and Cooling

Drinking lemon water in summer can help relieve heat, quench thirst, soothe stomach heat, and improve appetite. It is especially suitable for individuals with a neutral or warm constitution. A small amount of honey can be added for flavor.

Note:

• Infants and young children should avoid drinking lemon water.
• Diabetics should not add honey.
• Those with stomach discomfort should avoid consuming it.

3. Green Tea – Reduces Internal Heat

Green tea is an unfermented tea with the highest content of tea polyphenols, offering various health benefits. Regular consumption may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and overall mortality. It can also help lower blood lipids, reduce blood pressure, aid in weight loss, and support cancer prevention.

During hot summer months, the body tends to accumulate internal heat. As green tea has a cooling nature, it helps reduce internal heat and is beneficial for individuals prone to overheating.

Note: People with weak spleen and stomach function should avoid long-term consumption.

4. Mung Bean Soup – Clears Heat and Detoxifies

Benefits: Supports diuresis, reduces swelling, detoxifies, and cools the body.

Preparation:

• Take 100g of mung beans, add 500ml of water, and bring to a boil.
• Continue cooking on high heat for 15 minutes and add rock sugar to taste.

Note:

• Mung beans are cooling in nature; excessive and frequent consumption may harm the spleen and stomach. It is recommended to drink 1–2 times a week, one bowl per serving, and avoid drinking it on an empty stomach.
• People with weak spleen and stomach function should limit consumption.
• Elderly individuals with chronic conditions such as hypertension and hyperglycemia, especially those on medication (particularly Chinese medicine), should consume mung bean soup in moderation.

5. Hawthorn and Lotus Leaf Tea – Supports Fat and Blood Sugar Reduction

Benefits: Helps reduce fat, lower blood sugar, and promote diuresis.

Preparation:

• Take 10–15g of hawthorn and 10g of lotus leaves, place them in a pot, add water, bring to a boil, and let it steep for 5 minutes before drinking.

Note:

• Not suitable for individuals with weak spleen and stomach function.
• Pregnant women should avoid consuming it.
• Women should refrain from drinking it during menstruation.

Xiamen Smart Water Tech understands the vital role of safe drinking water in public health. That's why we prioritize safety, health, convenience, and environmental protection as the core values of our innovation. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can easily access safe and healthy drinking water.