Drinking Water Can Improve Your Mood

By: James Hixon, M.D., Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology

Even mild dehydration can cause your moods to change. When you get even slightly dehydrated you can experience more tension or sink into a funk. Studies have discovered that when you reduce your fluids by heat, exercising or drinking too much caffeine, you can get dehydrated and that affects your mood and health.

Drinking water also has significant impact on alleviating depression and helping with sleep disorders. It helps with concentration and literally makes your body “feel better.” In a study by University of Connecticut, researchers found that when dehydrated, the subjects were more cranky and fatigued.

Make sure to drink water during your busy day. If you are one of those people who forget to drink water, set an alarm on your smart phone to remind you to take a break and refresh you mind, body and soul with the gift of water. If you are one of those people who prefer to drink soda, coffee, or fruit juices instead; well, remember that moderation is key but to also try and incorporate drinking water on its own throughout the day.

James S. Hixon, M.D. is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Dr. Hixon has a thriving private practice in gastroenterology and is the Chief of Staff at a regional hospital. He has participated in training programs with Herbert Benson, M.D. at the Harvard Mind-Body Institute, Dean Ornish, M.D. at the Preventive Medicine Institute and Rachael Remen, M.D. at the Center for Prevention of Disease and Illness and other integrative and complementary medical research groups.