A Glass of Water May Be Your Cure For Depression?

You think the title of this post is just clickbait? You are right. But before you decide to leave, give me a few minutes to explain.

If you are suffering from depression, I am in no way saying that a glass of water can cure you. Depression is a very complex illness that requires a multidimensional approach to managing it. From medication to talk therapy and even lifestyle changes, depression needs to be tackled on multiple fronts.

But what if something as simple as a glass of water could help improve your mood? A glass of water alone isn’t a cure for depression, but it is a well-established fact that hydration plays a vital role in brain function and overall mental well-being.

A lot of people experience mood swings, fatigue, and mental fog when they are dehydrated, and these can all worsen the symptoms of depression.

My purpose here is to explore in painstaking detail how staying hydrated can help support your mental health and, in some instances, help you improve your symptoms of depression.

The Brain and Water

Water makes up 75% of the brain, making it important for normal brain function. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that dehydration negatively affects mood and increases feelings of anxiety. In a person with depression, this would make things even worse.

The relationship between dehydration and mental health shows that dehydration can slow brain processing and affect memory and decision-making—this manifests as brain fog. Most times, energy levels are reduced by dehydration, and the brain chemistry becomes distorted, leading to mood fluctuations.

A large-scale study conducted in 2018 found that people who drank more water reported lower levels of symptoms of depression and anxiety. People who consumed more than 2L of water a day were less likely to experience mood dysregulation compared to those who drank less than half a liter.

Another study published in the World Journal of Psychiatry showed that people who were even mildly dehydrated felt more anxious and less happy compared to those who weren’t.

Hydration and the Stress Response

Chronic stress and increased levels of stress hormones are linked to anxiety and depression. Hydration helps to regulate the amount of stress hormone in the body, making it easier to respond better to stress.

Hydration helps the organs in the body function more efficiently, and this is essential when facing stress. This is because dehydration in itself is a stressor, and the body tries to regulate the fluid it already has. With this added stress, anyone with depression would find it really difficult to cope.

Addressing mental health issues is a task that involves using a holistic approach, particularly with depression. Everything plays a role in promoting overall health, including something as simple as drinking water.

Of course, you should seek professional help if you are suffering from depression, but it is vital to not underestimate the power of small everyday actions like drinking enough water. It’s the little drops that eventually make an ocean.

Here are a few key ways to stay hydrated for your mental health:

1. Start your day with water: Sleeping for 7-8 hours leaves your body dehydrated. A glass of water helps you start your day feeling good.

2. Keep water close by: Make it easy for yourself to access water when you need it. Many times, we get thirsty during the day, and because there is no water in sight, we tend to continue working or doing things and forget to hydrate.

3. Eat water-rich foods: Cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges are important foods that can provide you with some form of hydration, although nothing beats having a glass of water.

4. Set reminders: If you are someone who forgets to drink water regularly, set an alarm that can help you remember to hydrate.

5. Finally, listen to your body: Pay attention to the signs of dehydration and don’t ignore them—dry mouth, headaches, dizziness—drink water.

How much water is enough?

The fact is, the amount of water that is enough for you depends on a few things like your age, weight, level of activity, and the weather. So, the amount of water you need will keep changing.

However, the general recommendation is to take about 2-3 liters of water every day.

Conclusion

Drinking water likely won’t cure your depression, but it can:

• Boost your energy levels, making it easier for you to engage in other forms of therapy for depression like exercise or talk therapy.

• Improve your focus and give you mental clarity.

• Regulate your mood.

The brain relies on water to function properly, and dehydration can be a hindrance to that. When you make hydration a conscious priority, you are giving your brain the necessary fuel to function better and help you live your life fully.

Thanks for reading

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I am Covenant, a Medical Doctor with a passion for holistic medicine-( fancy word for treating a patient as an individual and not just addressing their symptoms). My focus lies in the deep connection between mental health and overall wellbeing, and I create content across various medical topics with an emphasis on mental health. Follow me for insights into holistic medicine and approaches to health and wellness.

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