Body Response To Bad Stress Due To Dehydration, Follow Expert Recommendations To Prevent It

YOGYAKARTA - Did you know that dehydration is not just a matter of dry throat or thirst? Recent research shows that drinking less water can worsen the body's stress response. Research conducted by researchers from Liverpool John Moores University, shows that in a busy period or high pressure, keeping the body hydrated can be a simple way to manage the body's response to stress.

Researchers found that when a person is in a state of dehydration, a spike in the stress hormone (cortisol) becomes much sharper than those who drink enough water. In the study, participants were divided into low groups and high liquid intake, then tested through social stress tests. Participants were also asked to do mathematical tasks and interview simulations. Results from a series of tests showed that the initial response to heart rate and physical reactions was almost the same. But the less hydrated group experienced an increase in cortisol to about 50 % higher.

It is important to understand that cortisol is a hormone produced by the body when we experience stress and have an important role to play in dealing with stress. However, if the levels are too high chronically, this can have a negative impact because it causes sleep disorders, anxiety, and the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. In other words, stress plus lack of water can be more prone to long-term health problems, reported by Psychology Today, Tuesday, September 30.

Although the results of the research are interesting, it is important to understand that the study is observational, explained clinical psychologist Andrea Bonior, Ph.D. This means that we cannot confirm that all conditions of the body that are dehydrated cause a direct spike in cortisols. That is, further research is still needed to ensure that there are no other variables that affect the increase in cortisol along with drinking a little so that the body's stress response is bad. However, because the hydration benefits are clear for various body functions, there is nothing wrong with ensuring that the body gets enough hydration.

In this study, groups with low liquid intake usually drink less than 1.5 liters per day. While the highest group drinks at least 2 liters for women or 2.5 liters for men. This figure is in line with general recommendations to maintain optimal hydration, although the needs of each person can differ depending on activities, weather, or health conditions. Bonior recommendations, which are important to consistently drink regularly throughout the day, not wait when you feel thirsty.

Tips for the body to get enough hydration, bring a small water bottle wherever you go, so that drinking becomes easier. If you are busy and often missed to drink, set a reminder every hour so you don't forget to stay busy. Most importantly, choose water as the main drink, avoid too many sweet or caffeinated drinks that can have a mild diuretic effect.

Keeping the body hydrated may look simple, but it can be an effective strategy against stress or at least reduce the impact of unnecessary stress hormone spikes. Although research is still being studied further, keeping fluid intake in reasonable quantities is a wise step that you can practice from now on.