Mental health is an important component of overall health. For example, depression and chronic stress can lead to behaviours (such as sedentary activity, smoking, and overeating) that can increase your risk of developing health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Similarly, chronic illness can also increase the likelihood of depression. Is hydration linked to mental health? Studies have shown that hydration status can be linked to depression, anxiety, mental acuity (also known as mental “sharpness”), memory, attention, and more. It has been shown to be associated with various mental states and functions. For example, a study of more than 3,000 Iranian adults investigated the link between drinking water and depression. Researchers found that men and women who drank minimal amounts of water (less than 2 glasses per day) had a significantly higher risk of depression than those who drank 5 or more glasses per day. Additionally, those who drank the most water had lower rates of depression.

Mental health is an important component of overall health. For example, depression and chronic stress can lead to behaviours (such as sedentary activity, smoking, and overeating) that can increase your risk of developing health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Similarly, chronic illness can also increase the likelihood of depression. Is hydration linked to mental health? Studies have shown that hydration status can be linked to depression, anxiety, mental acuity (also known as mental “sharpness”), memory, attention, and more. It has been shown to be associated with various mental states and functions. For example, a study of more than 3,000 Iranian adults investigated the link between drinking water and depression. Researchers found that men and women who drank minimal amounts of water (less than 2 glasses per day) had a significantly higher risk of depression than those who drank 5 or more glasses per day. Additionally, those who drank the most water had lower rates of depression.

Another study of American children ages 9 to 11 investigated the effects of drinking small amounts, large amounts, or ad libitum (ad libitum) of water on mental flexibility and the ability to shift attention. Did. People who drank more water (about 10.5 cups per day) had greater mental flexibility. Additionally, the researchers found that the group that was instructed to drink water ad libitum had similar results to the group that drank small amounts of water (about 2 glasses per day), and the children suggested that they were more likely to habitually drink water. Let’s get down to business. 

Finally, in a small study of male university students in China, participants were instructed to withhold their drinking water for 36 hours and then began a hydration period. Research shows that dehydration negatively impacts energy, self-esteem, short-term memory, and attention. After rehydrating with water, participants reported improvements in mood, short-term memory, attention, and reaction time. 

This field of research is still relatively new. Although the number of studies is limited, results show a relationship between hydration status and mental health, including mood and cognitive performance. 

Tips for staying hydrated

The amount of water you should drink each day varies greatly depending on your activity level, exposure to heat and humidity, gender, and body size. The key is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. However, many people find it difficult to always remember to stay hydrated. 

To make sure you’re getting enough water throughout the day, here are some tips from Jennifer Williams, MPH, an Abbott nutritional scientist who specialises in hydration.

Do  Drink water frequently throughout the day, with the goal of drinking water every waking hour. 

Always carry a reusable water bottle with you and refill it as often as needed. 

Add flavourings, such as lemon juice or fresh mint, to your water to encourage uptake.

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