2023-07-12 22:00:44
Hydration has an impact on various mental functions such as depression, anxiety, mental alertness, memory, and attention.
Chronic stress can lead to behaviors that can increase your risk of developing health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
According to the WHO, mental health problems will be responsible for the next pandemic.
Water plays an important role in many bodily functions. From the protection of the organs, the regulation of body temperature and the maintenance of the cellular electrolyte balance. But did you know that hydration is also closely related to mental health?
With this in mind, the Dr. Oscar Quinterowho is Chief Medical Officer at Abbott, explains how consuming fluids benefits mood and cognitive function.
First of all, what is mental health?
The general term covers different aspects such as emotional, psychological and social well-being. In addition, it takes into account how a person thinks, feels, acts, handles stress, and interacts with others. A variety of factors, including life experiences and lifestyle, can affect the mental health and as a result may change over time.
Are mental health and hydration related?
Research has linked hydration status to various mental conditions and functions, including depression, anxiety, mental alertness, memory, and attention. For example, a study of more than 3,000 adults looked at the association between drinking water and depression.
The researchers found that men and women who drank the least amount of water (less than two glasses a day) had a significantly higher risk of depression than those who drank five or more glasses a day. Additionally, those with the highest water intake had a lower incidence of depression.
Another study involving children ages 9 to 11 looked at the effects of drinking low or high amounts of water on attention and cognitive flexibility. Those who drank large amounts of water (about 10.5 glasses a day) had greater mental flexibility.
In addition, the researchers found that the group instructed to drink water freely had similar results to those who drank lightly (about two cups per day), suggesting that children are habitually underhydrated.
Lastly, in a small study of college-age men, participants were instructed to abstain from water for 36 hours, followed by a period of rehydration. The study found that dehydration has negative effects on energy, self-esteem, short-term memory, and attention. After rehydration with water, the participants reported improvements in mood, short-term memory, attention, and reaction time.
This area of research is still relatively new. The number of studies is limited, but the results suggest that there is an association between hydration status and mental health, including mood and cognitive performance.
Tips for proper hydration
The amount of water you should drink each day can vary widely depending on your activity level, exposure to heat and humidity, gender, and body size. The bottom line is that it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids during the day. However, there are people who find it difficult to remember to constantly hydrate.
Consider pairing your meals with water instead of (or in addition to) soda, juice, or coffee. Drink water frequently throughout the day, aiming for fluid intake for every hour you are awake. Keep a reusable water bottle on hand and do your best to replenish it as needed. To encourage intake, include flavors in your water, such as a hint of citrus or fresh mint. Eat plenty of water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, grapes, celery, and spinach. It is important to note that 80 percent of hydration is obtained from drinking water and the remaining 20 is consumed through foods such as fruits and vegetables.
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