the primary brain food is water

I've been doing some online research of how diet can enhance brain functioning. My technique was to use Google, read relevant links, and compile the information. I'm presenting it here.

The brain consists of a high percentage of water (either 95% or 85%, sources vary), so it makes sense that brain function is where dehydration will show up quickly. A dehydrated person may be irritable or lethargic. Mental alertness is impaired. Skin becomes dry. Joints begin to ache. The memory suffers, basic math is more difficult, and it is more difficult to focus on small print.

Many people are chronically dehydrated. The Standard American Lifestyle has gotten so far away from healthy bodies that dehydrated people cannot rely on thirst as an indicator of dehydration. Dehydration may create hunger pangs, food cravings, and other symptoms unrelated to drinking water. Seventy-five percent of Americans have mild, chronic dehydration according to one estimate. I even heard a friend say that dehydration may be a cause of Alzheimer's, but I don't know the source.

The standard measure is that adults need to drink 64 ounces (1 gallon) per day. That is for an average person not doing much physical exercise, in moderate temperatures. That does not take into account the vast range of sizes among adults, and it's too much for a young child.

One formula says to take your body weight in pounds, and divide by two, and drink that many ounces of water each day. So a 100-lb. adult needs 50 ounces. A 50-lb. child needs 25 ounces. That's three 8-ounce glasses and a sip at the water fountain. Of course, fruits and vegetables and juices contain water, but most experts say to drink pure water.

Another measure is the color of the urine. The first urination after waking will be yellow. After that, the urine should be practically colorless.

Besides being the primary brain food, drinking enough water also removes toxins, lubricates the body, helps burn fat, regulate temperature, and prevents cancer.