This Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) we’re sharing how hydration is connected with mental health. If you're concerned about your mental health, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can help you to identify any underlying causes of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
Hydration and Mental Health
Water is essential for life, and it plays a vital role in our mental health as well. When we're dehydrated, our brains don't function as well, and we're more likely to experience mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
How Hydration Affects Mental Health
Our body is made up of about 60% water, and water is needed for a wide range of processes, such as digestion, absorption of nutrients, and regulation of body temperature. But, how does hydration affect our mental health? Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can cause mood changes, such as fatigue, tension, and anxiety.
When we don't drink enough water, our body and brain become stressed, leading to the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can impair our cognitive function and mood. Additionally, water helps to transport nutrients and oxygen to the brain, and when we're dehydrated, our brains don't get the nutrients they need to function properly. Dehydration can impair short-term memory and cognitive function, making it more difficult to focus and perform well on tasks.
Studies on Hydration and Mental Health
There have been a number of studies that have looked at the relationship between hydration and mental health. One study, published in the journal "Appetite" in 2014, found that people who were mildly dehydrated were more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those who were well-hydrated. Another study, published in the journal "Nutrition" in 2018, found that people who drank more water were less likely to experience symptoms of depression.
How to Stay Hydrated
So, how can you ensure that you are properly hydrated? The key is to drink plenty of water throughout the day, but the amount of water you need to drink will vary depending on your individual needs like your activity level, age, and other key factors. Having a reusable water bottle and PÜL SmartCap on hand can help you drink sufficient water for your individual needs and on a consistent basis.
Here are some additional tips for staying hydrated:
- Carry a PÜL SmartCap and bottle with you throughout the day
- Drink water first thing in the morning
- Drink water before, during, and after exercise
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
- If you're sweating a lot, drink more water than usual
- If you're on medication, check with your doctor to see if it can cause dehydration
Staying properly hydrated is crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health. Drinking enough water can help reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue, while also enhancing cognitive performance.
Your PÜL SmartCap can be your best ally in achieving a healthy mind and body. Do you prefer to use the PÜL App without the cap? That’s a great option too! These tools help us prioritize our health or even just check that mental ‘box’ and offer some level of mental health relief. Our favorite moment of the day is when our PÜL SmartCap turns from red to blue, indicating we’re back on track for the day. There’s something powerful about knowing your hydration is covered!
PÜL Hydration’s Blog, The Drop, was recently selected as one of the Top 5 Hydration Blogs on the web by Feedspot. We're swimming in gratitude!💧