Hydration, Electrolytes, and the Brain: More Than Just Drinking Water

The brain’s dependence on water and electrolytes

The brain is approximately 70–75% water and relies on precise fluid balance to maintain neuronal signaling.

Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium regulate:

• Fluid movement into cells
  
  
• Electrical signaling between neurons
  
  

Water alone does not always guarantee effective hydration.

Modern lifestyles increase cognitive dehydration risk

Stress, caffeine consumption, and long workdays increase fluid and electrolyte loss.

This can lead to subtle but persistent cognitive fatigue rather than obvious thirst.

This helps explain why hydration plays a central role in both Brain Fog and Daily Mental Clarity.

A cognitive view of hydration

Supporting hydration is not about excess fluid intake.

It is about supporting the brain’s ability to function efficiently under cognitive load.

Related insights:

→ Brain Fog: What It Is and Why It Happens

→ Building Daily Mental Clarity

References

Jequier E, Constant F. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2010

EFSA NDA Panel. EFSA Journal, 2010

Armstrong LE et al. Nutrition Reviews, 2015

Watson P et al. Physiology & Behavior, 2015

‍