The Benefit of Drinking Water for Mental Health


It is easy to ignore the information you regularly see regarding water and the need to drink a certain amount per day to stay fully hydrated. However, once you understand the science and benefits to your body it can be an easy way to improve cognitive function and make sure you are giving your body everything it needs to function as optimally as possible.

If you have ever had a house plant you may have noticed how if left unwatered for a significant period of time, it shrinks, it shrivels as its internal cells do not have the necessary water to function properly. The same thing is happening inside your body and brain when you are dehydrated. The remarkable thing is when you then water the plant, the recovery rate is extremely quick and it can soon be restored to full health. The same applies to a human when dehydrated.


What is Dehydration?


Dehydration occurs when there is a deficit of water and salts that are essential for regular bodily functions. Mineral imbalances hinder normal brain operation. Mental fatigue, memory problems, and mental confusion can result when the brain isn’t properly hydrated. Grey matter in the brain can actually shrink, and chronic long term dehydration can cause the brain to age prematurely.


What Are The Benefits of Drinking Water?


  • Drinking water helps to maintain the balance of bodily fluids. Your body is composed of around 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients,and maintenance of body temperature. Water intake helps make sure these functions are carried out as optimally as possible and allow your body to function better.
  • Your brain is over 75% water. It is vital to keep hydrated as possible to maintain and improve cognitive function. Dehydration causes energy generation within the brain to decrease. The body’s ability to detoxify is impaired when dehydrated which will also cause a shortage in tryptophan. Studies have shown that lower levels of these amino acids can contribute to the feelings of dejection and inadequacy, as well as feelings of anxiety.
  • If you suffer from anxiety, drinking a cold glass of water can interrupt the panic responses in the brain and help to ease a panic attack.


How Can I Drink More Water?


If you would like to increase your water consumption throughout the day, these tips may help you:

  • Make it a morning habit to drink a glass of water when you get up.
  • Set reminders for yourself throughout the day.
  • Fruit and vegetables contain a lot of water, eat more of these and incidentally increase your water consumption.
  • Keep a bottle of water with you at all times, drink when you need to.