Dehydration Can Worsen Women’s Moods According to New Study

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that dehydration can have a negative impact on moods. This study evaluated the moods, concentration and cognitive functioning in 25 women who were either mildly dehydrated or optimally hydrated.

The researchers found that dehydration was one of the most influential factors in causing headaches and difficulty focusing on various tasks. Additionally, the women who were dehydrated during the study were more likely to have dampened moods. The women faced these problems whether they were resting or exercising.

Research on Dehydration

The subjects in the study had hydration levels that were about 1% below the ideal hydration levels. Nevertheless, the changes in their moods were noticeable. This led researchers to speculate that they may have had more mood problems if they had been more dehydrated.

Dehydration and Fatigue

A similar study was published by Rosalie Marion Bliss of Tufts University in 2009. Bliss found that dehydration seemed to be a leading cause of fatigue among female athletes. Bliss’s study also evaluate male college athletes, but the association between dehydration and moods wasn’t as strong with male athletes.

The study stated that the levels of dehydration that the participants experienced could be common among many people in their daily lives. Many people would feel dehydrated simply because they failed to drink enough fluids during their days. According to a study in 2000, only 34% of Americans drink the recommended daily dose of water. People also fail to properly hydrate themselves after exercising.

Myth of 8 Glasses of Water Per Day?

Of course, the previous study was based on the assumption that people need 8 glasses of water a day. Many researchers have since shown new evidence that shows that is likely a myth. Nonetheless, it is likely that many Americans still fail to consume enough water on a daily basis.

Time has argued that if people experience a drop in their mood after exercising, they should consider drinking more water. Consuming drinks without caffeine or alcohol remains the best way to fight dehydration.

[box type=”note”]Although the study didn’t consider the impact dehydration would have on men’s moods, researchers assume that the same phenomenon would be experienced by men who were dehydrated as well.[/box]