Recent studies have revealed that not drinking enough water literally causes your brain to shrink like a grape shriveling into a raisin. Since the brain is about 75% water, even mild dehydration can affect its function and structure.
The studies, using MRI scans, revealed that when dehydrated, the brain’s gray matter contracts and total volume is reduced. This is because brain tissue loses fluid content, causing cells to compact.
The temporary shrinkage from dehydration is linked to several cognitive issues, sometimes described as “brain fog” which can include decreased concentration and focus, impaired short-term memory, slower reaction time, difficulty decision making and increased fatigue.
Dehydration also causes the brain to work harder to perform the same cognitive tasks. One study found that dehydrated individuals showed a stronger increase in brain activity in certain brain regions, suggesting the brain is compensating for fluid loss.
Brain tissue shrinkage can also cause headaches as the brain pulls away from the pain-sensitive membrane surrounding it.
The good news is, you can actually reverse the structural changes within a very short time of becoming sufficiently hydrated.
