Before I cut to the chase and spill the beans, here’s a huge clue: 85% of our brains are made up of this substance.
Since most of us are always keen for ways to boost our brains, and that being low on this key ingredient can account for patches of fuzzy memory, poor concentration, headaches, trouble focusing, decreased productivity, and lower capacity to handle the day-to-day stuff that comes up – this ‘secret’ is a game-changer to know.
It’s a pretty obvious one when we hear the answer – it’s water!
We all know how important it is to drink our 1.5-2litres of filtered, plain water each day, and by the time we feel thirsty, it’s a sign we’re dehydrated1. The solution is to drink enough water on a constant basis, so we avoid getting too low.
The other thing that can happen sometimes is thinking we’re hungry when we’re actually thirsty. Trial it for yourself – if you’re feeling hungry for a bit of a snack (baring in mind this isn’t a mealtime hungriness; more of a snack-craving sensation), then first drink a big glass of water, and see what happens. I’ve noticed that when I have that big glass of water, I often end up forgetting I was peckish.
In fact, research is now showing a direct correlation between how much water we’re drinking and how well we’re functioning2. And by water, we mean plain, good quality filtered water, not cups of tea or coffee or fizzy drinks with additives. (Plain fizzy, mineralized water can be good, especially on a hot day or after exercising, maybe with a squeeze of fresh lemon.)
If we’ve eaten sweet or salty foods, we also need to increase how much water we’re drinking. It’s not that our bodies are some sort of plumbing system we need to flush; it’s more about listening to our bodies so we can respond based on how we feel. We might have the impression we’re ‘drinking fluids all day’, although if it’s not plain, filtered water, then it’s not helping us with our hydration goal, and if it’s anything other than nature’s own – it’s not helping!
If you’re keen to increase your water intake, then a handy tip that works for many of my clients, is to measure out the 1.5litres of plain water at the beginning of the day, or even the day before if our mornings are busy. When we pre-measure a bottle, and see it there on the counter in the kitchen, then it’s a convenient reminder to give us that nudge.
I keep my water bottles visible, and also packed in my bag to take with me when I’m off out. Remember though, that we need to change the water in the bottles we keep in the car daily, especially if it’s a hot day. And BPA-free is best!
I’m so passionate about this topic (can you tell?) that my upcoming “Reboot Your Body” program includes optimizing our brain function, as an integral part of our whole-body wellness. If you’d like a heads-up on the scoop, message me, and I might just give you a few hints!
As always – I look forward to having you all to myself on this week’s #AliveWithFi
Ciao for now 
1https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/your-brain-dehydration
2https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938417304572
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O, is The LifeStyle Aligner, with over 28 years experience in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified osteopath, educator, writer, certified raw vegan gluten-free chef, speaker, health mentor and Health Brand Ambassador. She loves to globe-trot with her husband Chris (NZ, Australia, USA, UK + Europe and Indonesia are current favourites) relishing an outdoor lifestyle and time with family and friends.
