Keeping Hydrated for Better Mental Health

Keeping hydrated for better mental health might seem like an odd idea, we know that its important for our physical wellbeing, but for our mental health too! However, studies have shown that people who drink more water are at lower risk of experiencing anxiety and depression than those who drank less water.

Another study also found that those who drank more water had improved mood and felt calmer and more content. Other studies have also found a link between decreased water intake and feelings of fatigue and confusion. This all makes sense when we know that our brains our 75% water.

“Our brains depend on proper hydration to function optimally,” explains neuroscientist Dr Joshua Gowin. “Brain cells require a delicate balance between water and various elements to operate and when you lose too much water, that balance is disrupted. Your brain cells lose efficiency.”

“The brain is about 75% water,” says dietician Jane Clarke, “so it’s easy to see why a lack of fluid could cause emotional processes to falter. It’s well known that hydration is the most important performance statistic for an athlete; likewise, your brain won’t perform at its best if it isn’t optimally hydrated.”So if you want to improve your mental health easily drinking enough water is the number one, most effective place to begin, but how do you know if you are dehydrated? Below are some signs and sypmtoms.

• Feeling thirsty
• Having a dry mouth
• Dry Skin
• Dark yellow urine
• Constipation
• Feeling sleepy or fatigued
• Headache or feeling sick
• Increased heart rate or blood pressure

How much you should drink depends on your activity level and age. Below are some tips to increase your water intake

• Have water to hand in a water bottle. For me this is the best tip. If it is in a bottle with me I will drink it, if I have to find water or liquid when I am out and about how much I drink is severely lowered.
• There are apps you can download that will help you monitor your water intake and remind you to drink.
• Think about the foods you eat, fruits and vegetables with a high water content can increase your water intake.
• If you are not keen on water consider a no added sugar juice squash, or adding fresh fruits to your water. For some people adding ice means they drink more.

If though you are looking for more formal support call Paul Carter now to book an appointment or to discuss your issues further. At the moment Paul is only working online or the telephone due to COVID. To make an appointment please call Paul on 07843 813 537 or fill in the form on the Contact Page, if he doesn’t answer he is probably in a session, please leave him a message and he will call you back as soon as he can.