Don't Forget to Water Your Brain This Summer

It may help boost your creativity

You probably are aware that many foods and beverages are believed to be good for our bodies. Some studies have also shown that they may provide a boost to our brains as well–and thus aid in creativity. The list includes berries, salmon, nuts, green tea, and dark chocolate (yay!) to name a few.

These foods and beverages contain healthy nutrients like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and may improve brain functions such as memory and the ability to focus. A lot of information is available on this, but I’m a stickler for using reputable sources, especially when it comes to health. Here are a couple of good sources to start with:

“Healthy Eating for Improved Memory and Concentration,” HealthBeat, Northwestern Medicine. - https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/nutrition/best-food-for-a-healthy-brain

“Eat Berries to Improve Brain Function,” Monthly Health Message, Rutgers, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station - https://njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw/message/message.php?p=Health&m=350

But did you know that some studies show that one one of the most beneficial beverages for brain health and functioning may be water? Yes, that’s right, good old H₂0. Not booze. Not coffee. (Sorry!) Although many writers and other creatives consume the latter two beverages when working, when it comes to creativity what we really should have sitting beside our laptops is likely water. It accounts for about 75% of the human brain mass.

The jury is still out on the exact benefits to the brain, but we’re talking about water here. The benefits to our bodies are well known and documented, such as flushing bacteria, aiding digestion, and most key-–preventing dehydration, which can lead to a whole range of temporary undesirable mental problems such as dizziness and confusion and maybe even concentration. 

So if there’s even a remote chance that water could help to improve brain functions that relate to creativity, why not drink it? Lots of it.

“How Much Water Should You Drink?” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School - https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink

Years ago, I was not all that big when it came to drinking water. Now that I’m aware of how much water helps the body and maybe even creativity, I make a point to drink it much more often. I almost always have a glass or bottle nearby of filtered or natural spring water and I have come to enjoy the taste.

I also know people who swear by good old tap water. This will probably depend on where you live. I came to realize that my distaste for water early on was because of the tap water where I lived back then. It was nasty and probably not all that healthy if I’m being blunt. Tap water obviously tastes better and is cleaner in some localities than others. 

I’m not going to make recommendations for water sources because there are many, many choices out there with new ones hitting the shelves all the time. Their taste and your personal preferences will vary widely. Prices in bottled water also vary considerably, mainly depending on the source and how difficult it is to obtain.

I do suggest that you try a few alternatives if you haven’t already, including the tap water where you live (unless it is unsafe) and a few bottled choices. Pay attention to the labels here. What you’ll see most in bottled water offerings are probably purified tap water and natural spring water that is bottled at the source. There’s also distilled water, electrolyte water, sparkling water and on and on.

You decide the type and source. But don’t neglect this important health resource.