Health

Most of the human body is composed of water. Therefore, all organs need water to function properly. Thus, you must be clear that hydration is essential for your brain.

We all have physiological mechanisms to eliminate excess water, if necessary, and thus maintain body water balance . For this reason, a maximum recommended intake is not known for water.

That does not mean that there are no consequences of taking it too much; However, the recommended amount per person may vary depending on their weight, age, health status, level of physical activity, among others.

Dehydration and physical activity

During intense exercise, the loss of body water can even lead to:

• Severe alteration of thermoregulation.
• Increased respiratory rate during exercise.
• Tingling and numbness of limbs
• Collapse, especially if physical exercise is performed in conditions of extreme heat.

All organs of the human body need water, hydration is essential for your brain too. Therefore, as detailed in a study published in Nutrition Reviews , even mild levels of dehydration can cause alterations in mood and cognitive functioning.

The brain and hydration

According to research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ,   hydration is essential for the brain, since water accounts for 75% of brain mass. Among other things, water is involved in electrolyte balance and metabolism.

Therefore, it is essential that all people try to maintain the balance of entry and exit of water. When fluids that are lost through sweat, urine and other mechanisms are not replaced, several consequences can occur.

Among these, cognitive performance is one of the most affected. According to this same investigation, functions such as:

• The short term memory.
• Surveillance attention.
• The reaction of choice.
• Working memory

In turn, dehydration causes variations in body water distribution, which could lead to low pressure in the brain that is associated with confusion, dementia and lethargy.

Many studies are still inconclusive on the mechanisms that occur specifically in the brain under conditions of dehydration, but they indicate that the attention and memory processes are affected first.

Dehydration can also affect your mood, you may feel tired or irritable. You can even think that you are hungry , when in fact the body is asking for water.

Adequate hydration is important for proper functioning of the brain. When we are properly hydrated, brain cells receive oxygenated blood and the brain stays alert. In this way, he manages to perform his duties without difficulties.

How to recognize the signs of dehydration?

At first, it is difficult to recognize that the decrease in cognitive performance has to do with dehydration. Therefore, we must pay attention to other signs such as:

• Excessive thirst
• Dry mouth
• Cold dry skin
• Muscular fatigue
• Decreased urine and lack of desire
• Decreased blood pressure, headaches and dizziness
• Lethargy and irritability

If this symptom occurs, it is important to check if there is an adequate intake of liquids and mineral salts. If not, it is an aspect that must be reinforced. Also, if there are signs of severe dehydration, it is necessary to request immediate medical attention.

In summary

Adequate hydration is essential for the brain and its respective functions. When you have a low fluid intake, problems associated with cognitive performance may occur . Therefore, it is important to consume water and drinks that provide electrolytes.

Sugar is an essential substance for life, as well as being part of the most pleasurable foods; however, this compound is a double-edged sword, to which you must have judgment. That is why today we bring you everything you need to take into account regarding what sugar represents for your proper functioning.

In this article, you can learn how sugar consumption affects the maintenance of a healthy life. First, you must know that it is in your body in the form of glucose.

The glucose is the main source of energy in the body, for life support functions such as temperature regulation, breathing or heartbeat, among others. In itself, this molecule is responsible for giving energy to your entire body. Thus, just as gasoline allows movement to a car, glucose allows it to the organism.

This is nothing more than a simple sugar found in the blood. You can get the same through food, specifically carbohydrates. This type of substances is present in flours, fruits, in rice and, of course, sweets.

When you eat, the food is broken down into substances that can be used by the body. Carbohydrates are then transformed into glucose; This will later be transformed into glycogen, which will be an energy reserve that will be stored in the liver.

How does sugar affect the body?

Your pancreas receives signals that a food has been ingested and produces insulin, a hormone that will make cells more sensitive so they can pick up glucose. It is the bridge that allows the passage of glucose.

This shows that consuming carbohydrates is crucial so that you can keep your body active and vital, but you must do it in adequate amounts. It is no secret how delicious are the sweets, pizzas, pasta and many other foods with high carbohydrate content.

You must remember that these last ones are translated into enormous quantities of sugar. This, in turn, represents damage to your own body, a lethal weapon; the excess of glucose in the blood, called hyperglycemia, does not mean that you are going to have a more full body of energy.

Consequences of excess blood sugar

This surplus is a generator of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, where the pancreas still produces insulin but the cells are unable to capture them and become resistant to this hormone. What does this imply? Your body will be unable to absorb glucose and you will be fatigued.

In addition, the excess of sugar has a particular effect: the blood becomes acidic, not sweet. This causes the deficiency in the work of the different systems that make up your organism. It can also cause different infections, causing a condition called ketoacidosis.

Likewise, there is another series of damages generated by excess glucose:

• Weight gain, because the liver transforms this excess into fat in adipose tissue, possibly causing obesity.
• The brain, the master organ, is severely affected by acid blood, as it reduces its plasticity.

Contrary to what you may believe, it slows down its functions, it can harm it to the point of reaching a coma.

• As the kidneys are responsible for filtering what harms your body, there is an overload of work for them. This could later translate into a renal failure if this becomes repetitive.

This process generates an insatiable thirst, as well as frequent urges to urinate, the most representative signs of hyperglycemia.

• Your tissues, in general, would be in danger, because this picture accelerates the oxidation process of the cells.
• An effect that little is named has to do with the emotional impact, precisely because of all this alteration in the functioning of the brain. You can become highly irritable and upset with the increase in blood sugar.

Remember that your body always seeks balance. An imbalance implies an attack against your welfare. Eating in proper proportions and exercising is the key to enjoy a healthy and long life.

The duration of menstrual bleeding may vary depending on the hormonal activity of each woman. Under normal conditions, the menstrual cycle lasts an average of 28 days. However, if the time between one period and another change constantly, then it is said to be irregular. How can menstrual periods be regulated?

The treatment depends to a large extent on the underlying cause of the irregularities. However, there are some natural remedies that can help the cycle to return to normal. Next, we want to share in detail 5 alternatives that you can try at home.

Natural remedies to regulate menstrual periods

The natural remedies to regulate menstrual periods usually help to balance the hormonal activity of women.Most are safe and do not usually cause side effects, except in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding or thyroid problems. In these special cases, it is essential to consult the doctor before consuming them.

1. Ginger

In traditional medicine, ginger has been used as an ally to regulate menstrual periods. However, to date, there is not enough evidence to corroborate these effects. Despite this, some studies have been able to determine that it has beneficial effects in cases of heavy bleeding or premenstrual syndrome.

How to use?

• The spice can be added in smoothies, teas or salads.
• However, the most common way to take advantage of its properties is with the preparation of an infusion. The drink can be consumed 2 times a day, preferably in advance of the period.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used since ancient times as a complement to the discomfort related to menstruation. In addition to promoting the control of irregularities of the period, it has positive effects in the relief of menstrual pain and heavy bleeding.

How to use it?

• As in the previous case, it can be added in its natural state in various recipes.
• It can also be prepared in tea by adding a teaspoon of the spice in a cup of boiling water. After letting the drink rest, you can sweeten it with honey.

3. Apple cider vinegar to regulate menstrual periods

In 2013, an investigation was published that showed that taking about 15 ml of organic apple cider vinegar can help regulate menstruation in women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, more evidence is needed to corroborate these effects.

Despite this, it is worth trying the ingredient as a remedy for the irregularities of the period. In fact, due to its nutrient content, it can be beneficial for other important body processes.

How to use?

• First, dilute one tablespoon (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water.
• Take the remedy fasting every day.
• If you wish, sweeten the drink with a spoonful of honey.

4. Wild yam

Wild yam, or yam,  contains phytoestrogens that can help regulate female hormones. Therefore, it has been used in traditional medicine to control irregular menstrual periods.However, it should be used sparingly, as there is not enough evidence to support your safety.

How to use?

• Boil a teaspoon of the root (about 5 g) in water for 10 minutes over low heat.
• After this time, let the drink rest and strain it.
• Consume 2 cups a day, about 3 or 4 days before the period.

Note: consult your doctor if you are taking medication or if you suspect that you are pregnant. In both cases, the consumption of this tea can be counterproductive.

5. Parsley

Parsley is an herb with interesting culinary and medicinal applications. With regard to the menstrual cycle, it can be very beneficial, since it helps to restore menstruation when irregularities occur. In addition, being diuretic minimizes fluid retention in those days.

How to use?

• First, prepare an infusion by adding a tablespoon of parsley leaves in boiling water.
• Let the drink stand for 10 minutes and strain it.
• Consume 2 cups a day, especially from a week before the period.

In summary, the preparation of natural remedies can be a supplement to regulate menstrual periods. However, the scientific evidence is limited, so it is important to consult the doctor before consuming them. In addition, it is convenient to evaluate why the irregularity occurs.