How Dehydration affects our mental well-being
“I have such a headache today!” – “Did you drink enough water?” We should all ask ourselves this question more often, as studies show that even mild dehydration can affect the body, including brain function. Given the connection between physical wellness and psychological stability, it’s no surprise that hydration and mental health are closely related. Reduced water intake can also influence mood regulation and emotional resilience.
The impact of dehydration on the human body
1) Body & Mental Hydration
In simple terms, water enhances different bodily functions – it protects our organs, regulates our body temperature and maintains the electrolyte balance in our cells.
2) Hydration and Mental Health: Oxygen
A lack of water in the human body slows down blood circulation, which means less oxygen travels through the organs and to the brain.
3) Hydration and Mental Health Effects
The human brain consists of approximately 73% water. During dehydration, the production of so-called neurotransmitters (the body’s “chemical messengers”) decreases. Serotonin affects mood, appetite, sleep, digestion, sexual desire, and overall emotional balance.
4) Hydration and Mental Health Risks
In severe cases, dehydration can seriously impact hydration and mental health, leading to impaired cognitive function. This may escalate to confusion, disorientation, unconsciousness, or even coma—showing just how critical proper fluid balance is for brain health and emotional stability.
The impact of dehydration on our mental well-being
1) Hydration and Mental Health: Mood
When fluid levels drop, serotonin production slows, affecting our mood and mental balance. This can reduce energy, disrupt focus, and lower emotional resilience, impacting overall psychological health and clarity.
2) Hydration and Mental Health: Stress
During phases of dehydration, our body also increases cortisol, the “stress hormone”, which leads to increased stress and anxiety levels.
3) Hydration and Mental Health: Focus
Whether juggling daily demands or working at a desk, keeping fluid levels up is essential for emotional steadiness and focus. People who stay well-hydrated often enjoy clearer thinking, reduced stress, and improved performance at work.
4) Hydration and Mental Health Foods
Throughout the day, water-rich foods like watermelon or cucumber support fluid balance and promote emotional health by sustaining steady hydration levels.
5) Hydration, Heat & Mental Decline
Feeling thirsty on hot days can cause irritability, mood shifts, fatigue, or fainting. Dehydration reduces brain performance and emotional stability. Even mild water loss shows how hydration and mental health are closely linked.
6) Mental Health & Water Studies
Whilst this is still a growing field of research with limited studies, findings point to a connection between daily water consumption and mental wellness. In a survey of 3,000 Iranian adults, lower water intake was linked to more depression, higher intake to less.
7) Hydration and Mood Stability
Drinking more water helps regulate emotions, promotes stable moods, and lowers stress, anxiety, and mental strain.
Hydration and Mental Health Benefits
Two glasses of water aren’t enough. Experts suggest 2 litres daily to support both physical and mental health.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Franziska Richter is a transcultural counsellor with the Willingness Team. She offers counselling sessions to individuals and couples. She is particularly interested in sexuality, relationship issues, trauma, and general mental health.
References
https://www.mindbody7.com/news/2018/1/12/dehyrdation-affects-your-mental-health-more-than-you-think
