New study shows that drinking less water increases the stress hormone by 50%

A groundbreaking new study has revealed the crucial role that hydration plays in managing stress levels. According to researchers from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), individuals who consume less than seven cups, or 1.5 liters, of water per day experience a 50% higher cortisol response to stress compared to those who meet recommended hydration levels.

The study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, involved 62 healthy men and women, with 32 participants categorized as having low liquid intake and the remaining participants meeting recommended fluid intake levels. Those in the low liquid intake group consumed less than 1.5 liters of liquid per day, while the high-fluid group met the recommended daily intake of two liters for women and 2.5 liters for men.

Over the course of seven days, researchers monitored participants’ liquid intake and subjected them to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) to assess stress levels. The results showed that inadequate hydration led to increased stress-related health issues for both men and women.

Professor Neil Walsh, lead researcher at LJMU’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, highlighted the importance of staying hydrated for long-term health benefits. He emphasized that elevated cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, are linked to an increased risk of heart conditions, diabetes, and depression.

Dr. Daniel Kashi, a member of the research team, noted that both low and high fluid intake groups experienced similar levels of anxiety and elevated heart rates during the stress test. However, only the low-fluid group exhibited a significant increase in cortisol levels in response to stress.

Kashi pointed out that despite not feeling thirstier than the high-fluid group, individuals with poor hydration displayed darker and more concentrated urine, indicating inadequate fluid intake. He stressed the importance of maintaining proper hydration levels to prevent long-term health issues associated with heightened cortisol reactivity.

Dehydration can lead to serious health problems such as kidney damage, anxiety, depression, heart issues, and diabetes. Monitoring urine color is a simple yet effective way for individuals to assess their hydration status, with light yellow urine indicating adequate hydration.

While the study underscores the importance of following recommended water intake guidelines, further research and long-term studies are needed to fully understand the impact of hydration on overall health. Staying hydrated is essential for the body to function optimally and manage stress effectively.

For more health-related articles, visit www.foxnews.com/Health. Stay informed and take care of your well-being by prioritizing hydration and monitoring your fluid intake.