Water: The Universal Remedy

By Keiko Pomakis

Published April 29th

Studying can be difficult. Maybe you’re having trouble memorizing, getting distracted by things around you, or having a headache. Maybe you’re just not in the learning headspace. Of course, taking breaks when needed is always okay, but when you’re struggling, it might be because you’re missing a crucial study session component: Water.

Every cell in the human body requires water to function. Including blood cells, skin cells, and muscle cells. These cells use water for various purposes essential to the body's inner workings. For example, water is a medium for transporting oxygen and nutrients, supplying cells with the resources needed for proper functioning. Water also helps to maintain the proper structure of each cell, ensuring that it is the right shape and size.

Brain cells, or neurons, also need water to function at maximum capability. They control the sending and receiving of electrical impulses within your body. When these neurons don’t have excess access to water, they can’t function at their full potential, as signals aren’t passed as easily over the gaps, or synapses, between the cells. This means that the human brain can’t process information as quickly or as easily, making it difficult to learn and memorize information.

For this reason, it is especially important to drink water when studying or learning something new. Making sure your body is well hydrated is a key component of studying that is often overlooked. The average person requires about 3 litres of water daily to function at maximum capacity. How much water have you drunk today?