Hydration & IQ: The Simplest Focus Hack
Before you buy expensive "Nootropics" or supplements to boost your brain, ask yourself: Have I drunk water today?
Your brain is approximately 75% water. It is an electrochemical organ that relies on water and electrolytes to transmit signals. Research shows that even mild dehydration (just 1-2% body mass loss) can lead to significant drops in memory, attention, and executive function. If you feel thirsty, your IQ has effectively already dropped.
The Morning Dehydration Problem
When you wake up after 8 hours of sleep, you are naturally dehydrated. You lose water simply by breathing throughout the night. Most people wake up and immediately drink coffee (a diuretic), which dehydrates them further.
This leads to the "mid-morning crash" that most people blame on lack of caffeine, when it is actually lack of water.
The Protocol
- Step 1: Keep a large glass or bottle of water on your nightstand.
- Step 2: Before your feet hit the floor in the morning, drink 500ml (approx 16oz) of water.
- Step 3: Add a pinch of sea salt (optional) to help with electrolyte absorption.
The easiest way to know if your brain is hydrated is to check the color of your urine. It should be pale straw color. If it is dark yellow, your brain performance is compromised. Drink up.