Stress is something we are all enemies with. Whether it’s a deadline at work, a difficult-conversation, or just trying to stay on top of daily tasks, pressure is inevitable and along with pressure comes undulating stress. We all try to address stress through the big-ticket items, like sleep, exercise, or meditation. But there is one little habit that may be influencing how we respond to stress more than we know — ‘staying properly hydrated’A new study indicates that even mild dehydration may put a stress burden on the body, making you more likely to develop long-term health problems. It’s a reminder that hydration is not merely about quenching our thrist but also it helps calm our minds
The study
A group of researchers at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) recently investigated the relationship between hydration and stress.The researchers examined the impact of fluid consumption on cortisol, the key stress hormone in the body. They discovered that individuals who consumed less than 1.5 litres of fluid per day, about the level found in seven cups of tea, had a cortisol increase that was more than 50 percent greater when stressed compared to individuals consuming sufficient water.This is important because prolonged high levels of cortisol are associated with serious health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
What did the study entail
To gain a better idea, scientists categorized healthy young adults according to their typical daily fluid consumption. In one group, people had less than 1.5 litres of fluid regularly. The other group maintained the recommended daily levels of 2 litres for women and 2.5 litres for men.For one week, the participants maintained their regular consumption of alcohol while providing blood and urine samples for the measurement of hydration status. They were then requested to undertake a test of stress by undergoing a simulated job interview and solving mental arithmetic questions under time constraints at the conclusion of the week.Though both groups were equally anxious and their heart rate responded similarly to the test, the group that consumed less water had a more intense cortisol response.
Why is this important to our health
Cortisol isn’t entirely an evil-stress hormone, it assists the body in reacting to immediate danger as well. However, when cortisol remains elevated too frequently, it can be more harm than help. Chronic elevation of stress hormones is associated with a multitude of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, weight gain, mood disorders, and insomnia.As explained by Professor Neil Walsh, the lead researcher, “Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone and heightened cortisol reactivity to stress is related to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and depression.Even more surprisingly, the under-hydrated individuals did not perceive themselves as thirstier than the hydrated group. Their only true indication of dehydration was in their urine, which was more concentrated. This indicates that we cannot trust only thirst to inform us that we need additional water.
How much to drink?
The daily recommended intake is approximately 2 litres for women and 2.5 litres for men. This may consist of water and also fluid from tea, coffee, and other beverages. High water content foods like fruits and vegetables contribute to fluids.The trick is to notice not only thirst, but habits. If you find you frequently go all day without a drink, or if your urine is dark yellow, that can be an indication you’re not drinking enough.Hydration is one of the simplest and most neglected ways to help both your mental and physical well-being. It’s not the holy grail, but it is a healthy daily habit that can pay real dividends in the long run. We all have to start from somewhere, so why not the simplest?
