A new, small study of 25 women suggests that being mildly dehydrated can take a toll on women's mood and cognitive function.
In the study, published in the latest issue of The Journal of Nutrition researchers found that dehydration was a prime factor in causing headaches, loss of focus, fatigue, and low mood while both exercising and resting.
US magazine TIME reported last week that the women in the study experienced the bad effects from only mild dehydration -- about one percent lower than optimal hydration levels.
The Huffington Post also cites a 2009 study conducted by Tufts University researchers in the US that found "that dehydration leads to fatigue, confusion, and a negative mood among young female athletes''.
TIME reports that while men weren't included in the research, the results likely apply to them as well.
To stay hydrated, opt for plain water or other non-alcoholic and caffeine-free drinks. While exactly how much water you need to drink daily varies and isn't well defined (some experts say eight glasses a day is too much), one good measure is to check the color of your urine: "if it's darker rather than nearly clear, you need more water," writes TIME.
* 8 glasses of water a day is too much?? (I thought that was the norm)
I think this study is unreliable as it involves only 25 women - a small study as stated in the article.
ReplyDeleteMore participants should be involved in the study for a more accurate results.
i will keep this in mind when i'm in a bad mood. just drink water. thanks amanda
DeleteYa! I read from somewhere they said the recommended intake of 8 glasses of water is actually too much! I think I only drink around 6 glasses per day!
ReplyDeleteTo me is always choose to drink water rather than soft drinks.
If water is too boring, I will choose to drink tea.
Anyway, the moral of the story is: drink water when you are in bad mood!