Does Dehydration causes brain to shrink?
Yes, dehydration causes the brain to shrink and we are going to discuss why? and much more. If are you curious then just dive in
 |
| By Jensflorian - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39237155 |
Why brain lose its volume by dehydration?
The human brain consists of 73% water in its total weight. The brain loses water even if a person is slightly dehydrated. This causes the brain to shrink. It can be reversed by rehydration so, the shrinkage is temporary in most cases.
Is this change permanent?
For most cases, it's a no if rehydration occurs promptly. After rehydration, the brain will get to normal functionality and to its normal size. Still, you should keep in mind that severe as well as prolonged dehydration can cause permanent brain damage.
Factors that can cause permanent effects:
Severe dehydration
Severe dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalances. If that happens it can potentially cause brain cell damage permanently.
Dehydration duration
Persistent and long-lasting chronic dehydration can also lead to brain damage for longer periods.
Individual factors
Old age persons and people who are already suffering from health conditions these people are more prone to the effects of dehydration.
Importance of water for the brain:
Transporting nutrients
Our brain is not just made up of 73 percent of water but this water also plays a very important role in brain functionality that includes the help of transporting oxygen, amino acids, glucose, and other nutrients to the brain.
Toxin removal
Metabolic waste and toxins are flushed out from the brain with the help of water.
Maintains brain structure
Water is responsible for maintaining the proper shape and structure of the brain cells and keeping the connection between them.
Regulate temperature
The brain temperature is crucial for brain optimal cognitive performance and water helps to regulate it.
Nonetheless, even the dehydration is severe timely rehydration can also help minimize the damage to the brain
Slow dehydration
If a person drinks less water compared to what his body is burning every day it will cause dehydration slowly.
It can also happen due to an increase in body fluid loss. These types of dehydration can be subtle and insidious.
Symptoms may also not appear until it's too late. That is why you should drink at least 8 glasses of water. Different people require different amounts of water we are going to discuss that later in this article.
It can lead to problems such as problems with concentration, mood, memory, and attention.
In strict conditions, dehydration can even cause seizures or coma.
Symptoms and effects
- Feeling thirsty is the primary signal indicating the need for fluid.
- Dry mouth and lips are the reasons for less saliva. Dehydration causes a reduction in the production of saliva.
- Dark yellow or amber urine is concentrated urine that suggests dehydration.
- Fatigue and lack of energy can happen because of dehydration.
- Headaches due to shrinkness in the brain also indicate dehydration.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness can also be caused by dehydration as it can affect blood pressure and blood flow.
- Confusion, memory, and concentration problems due to impaired cognitive function
- Muscle cramps and spasms due to disrupted electrolyte balance.
- Constipation due to hardened stool that makes it difficult to pass.
 |
| By Aishik Rehman - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=108546897 |
General guidelines of daily fluid requirement:
Your personnel needs depend and vary on your daily activities, climate and overall health but general guidelines are as follows.
19-30 year old
Men 3.7 litres i.e, 125 ounces
Women 2.7 litres i.e, 91 ounces
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should take 0.3 liters (10 ounces) extra every day.
Children
4-8 years old: 1.9 liters that is 69 ounces
7-13 year old: 2.1 litres that's 70 ounces
14-18 year old: 2.3 liters (78ounces)
65+ years old
Men: should take 3.0 liters i.e, 102 ounces
Women: 2.1 liters or 70 ounces.
Factors that change fluid requirements
The following factors would increase your needs.
If you are an active person and exercise daily then you will sweat more and lose more fluid.
Living in a hotter climate will also make you lose more fluid as compared to living in a cooler climate.
Having kidney problems or medical conditions that affect the ability to regulate fluid you may need more or less water.
Note: if you have a medical condition ask your doctor for your required daily dose of fluid.
.jpeg)
