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Dehydration, Depression, Anxiety -- Your Brain Needs Water! November 08, 2022 |
Water Benefits Health News, Issue #82November 8, 2022 Hello Water Friend, Lately at the vitamin shop where I work, I’ve been hearing many more concerns about depression and anxiety. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, my first recommendation is to keep track of how much water you drink each day. Why? Because there is an integral link between adequate hydration and brain function, especially as it relates to depression and anxiety. For more information, see our feature article for this issue. In some cases, just committing to drinking half one’s body weight in ounces of water each day for 3-4 weeks will significantly diminish some of the symptoms. When our brain detects inadequate water supply in the body, it signals its concern to our brain and nervous system. These subtle thirst sensations or perceptions include feeling depressed, anxious, tired, restless, flushed or having irresistible cravings. Studies have shown that dehydration can lead to insufficient levels of serotonin, which is an important neurotransmitter. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. To your well-being!
Nancy Hearn, CNC
Feature ArticleDepression and Dehydration—Key Reasons They Are LinkedDepression and dehydration are linked for several key reasons, especially in relation to the production and metabolism of serotonin, tryptophan and essential amino acids in the body and brain. Depression is a common symptom of chronic dehydration. There are many different types of depression, which can range from feelings of mild depression to more severe clinical depression. The degree of dehydration can be classified into mild, moderate and severe stages. The stage of dehydration depends on the percentage of lost body weight, which is caused by fluid deprivation and excretion. So, it would be too simplistic to say that all forms of depression are affected by dehydration. However, when we understand that the brain tissue is about 85 percent water and the body is about 70 percent water, it is only logical to conclude that not drinking enough water will have a significant impact not only on the physical body but also on the mind and the emotions. In addition, a significant number of Americans are suffering chronic dehydration and are unaware of its effects on the mind and the body.
Related ArticlesDehydration and Anxiety – Listen to Your Body’s Need for WaterDrinking Enough Water Daily Is the Foundation of Health Dehydration Symptoms – Mild, Moderate and Severe
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Nancy Hearn is a certified health and nutrition consultant, hydration specialist, fitness advisor, and freelance web writer. She is the author of WaterBenefitsHealth.com and has published numerous health articles and eBooks.
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