Did you know that your brain is made up of 73% water? As a result, when you’re dehydrated, your internal systems slow down and can no longer operate as they should. Water is important and essential for all your bodily functions, including supporting cognition and mood. Additionally, research shows that as you age, you become more prone to becoming dehydrated due to a diminished sense of thirst (National Council on Aging, 2021).

In one 2018 study of over 3,000 adults, researchers discovered that adults who drank more water were less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. In the same study, researchers also found that anxiety symptoms were higher in those who did not drink enough water.

In their article, How to Stay Hydrated for Better Health, the National Council on Aging offers five quick and easy tips you can use to help stay fully hydrated every day: Eat more foods with a high water content, like cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes, cantaloupe, and celery.

Keep water with you, always. Carry a refillable water bottle with you everywhere you go. Keep it in your purse or clip it to your belt for convenience and ease of access.

Avoid or reduce your alcohol intake. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it prompts your body to remove fluids from your bloodstream, which can lead to dehydration.

Change it up by adding a low sugar/low sodium flavor to your water. Flavor enhancers come with both natural or artificial ingredients and sweeteners, so be sure to ask your doctor for recommendations on which flavor enhancers are best for you.

Build hydration into your routine. Create healthy habits around hydration. Make it a point to monitor your water intake to help ensure you’re getting the recommended amount. There are several water intake tracking apps available that you can download and use. Some of these apps are free, and some require a monthly subscription.

When it comes to mental health, drinking plenty of water helps fend off dehydration, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Studies have shown there is a beneficial relationship between drinking water and mental health disorders, but this doesn’t mean that drinking water will magically cure your mental health concerns. Often, combining healthy lifestyle habits with therapy services provided by licensed mental healthcare professionals has the most beneficial outcome.

Senior Life Solutions at Callaway District Hospital is a program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults experiencing depression and/or anxiety. For more information call 308-836-2153.