Water Affects Mood

While we know that it’s important to drink water for optimal physical functioning, a 2009 Tufts University survey found that a lack of adequate water consumption also has a tangible impact on our mood.

The study’s subjects were 31 male and female student athletes who performed 60-75 minutes of high-impact aerobic activity while mildly dehydrated. These students reported feeling more tiredness, depression, confusion, tension or anger than the control group who engaged in similar activities.

The Tufts research team also studied the impact of the dehydration of the athlete’s cognitive abilities. While there was some negative influence on cognition, it was concluded that a stronger correlation between mild dehydration and mood exists.

The study’s authors consider the amount of dehydration (losses of 1-2 percent) comparable to the mild dehydration many people experience on a daily basis by drinking insufficient amounts of water.

So, how much water should we drink on a daily basis? The amount differs based on variables such as your weight, activity level and the weather. The generally recommended amount is eight to nine glasses of water a day. According to Kristen E. D’Anci, PhD, one of the Tufts’ study’s lead researchers, “eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day never hurt anybody.”

Another general indicator of adequate water consumption is the amount and color of your urine; if you produce about 6.3 cups of urine daily and it is colorless to slightly yellow (i.e., not dark and concentrated), this is a good indication that you are consuming enough water.

Don’t wait, however, to feel thirsty, as thirst is generally a sign that you are already slightly dehydrated. And as strange as it may seem, it is possible to drink too much water, resulting in water poisoning, which can lead to death. As is useful in so much of life, let common sense and being mindful of how you feel be your guide.

Read more: Health, Mental Wellness

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

ii q.

6:45PM PDT on Jul 31, 2011

wow - people will listen about improving eating habits, but no one seems to be paying attention about drinking water for hydration???

send a green star

Gordana R.

1:27AM PDT on Jun 13, 2011

good to know...

William F.

8:47PM PDT on May 8, 2011

Fill up the glass of the water then pray and give thanks.

Mary Ann F.

4:54PM PDT on May 8, 2011

You can drink too much water? Oh no! I sip water all day long. I don't like soft drinks. I love water.

James C.

9:48AM PDT on May 8, 2011

Even if it doesn't have a massive impact on my health, I love drinking water and personally, think staying hydrated throughout the day makes any activity much more enjoyable.

Jane R.

10:16PM PDT on May 3, 2011

I don't buy this at all. They studied athletes only. I've also read that the 8 glasses of water a day is not needed. You get water from food also. Vegetables contain lots of water. You get water when you drink tea, coffee or home made lemonade. Fruit also contains water.
To Lynn, lay off your dad, if he eats veggies and fruit he's getting enough water.

Arielle B.

9:52PM PDT on May 1, 2011

Wow. Crazy. I drink a ton of water so this is good news.

Marianne G.

3:21AM PDT on May 1, 2011

thanks for sharing

Lisa Z.

12:01AM PDT on May 1, 2011

Thank you.

KAREN L.

12:58AM PDT on Apr 30, 2011

I have a friend who almost never drinks water...perhaps a sip from time to time....but she lives on coffee and it seems to work. How everyone's body is different IS amazing!!!