Mental disorders have become quite common in recent years across the world. According to the World Journal of Psychiatry, almost 30 percent of people are suffering from one of many common mental disorders.
Despite the increasing prevalence of these problems, there are a number of treatment options and preventative measures that you can take to improve your situation and alleviate some of the problems that you may be facing. One simple way that you can improve your outlook and reduce risks of mental disorders like depression and anxiety is to simply drink more water.
Benefits of Drinking Water
One analysis found that lower plain water intake was associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety and when drinking more water, the opposite was true.
Moreover, there is a growing body of evidence that indicates that fluid deprivation will have major negative impacts on several mood areas. Similarly, daily water intake increase led to a significant mood improvement in habitual low water drinkers. In one study published in the Public Library of Science, they reported less fatigue, less confusion, less thirst, and less sleepiness.
Conversely, a switch toward a decreased water intake was found to have detrimental effects on mood, this included reduced feelings of calmness, satisfaction, and positive emotions.
There are many other ways that you can enhance these feelings. For example, eating a healthy diet, getting more exercise, and limiting alcohol use can go a long way toward improving your overall physical and mental health. If any of these things are hard to do, there are a number of resources that can help. You can hire a personal trainer to get you going on a exercise plan or enlist the help of a treatment center to help you learn how to stop drinking.
Overall though, water intake is very important and something that should be prioritized for everyone of all ages.
Your fluid intake is probably adequate if you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is colorless or light yellow.
Daily Intake
Your daily water intake will vary depending on a number of factors including age, sex, pregnancy, and breastfeeding status. Similarly, your body needs more water when you are in hot climates, more physically active, or running a fever. In general, according to the Mayo Clinic, an adequate daily fluid intake is 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women. A reasonable goal is to drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day.
It should be noted that it is possible to drink too much water. While this is uncommon, it happens when the kidneys cannot excrete the excess water, the sodium content of your blood is diluted, these problems can be life-threatening.
Tips To Increase Water Consumption
For some, it can be hard to remember to get your daily water intake. However, there are so many benefits and it is so important for your health that it is something that should be prioritized. There are a number of easy ways to start drinking more water. Some of these tips include:
- Carry a water bottle when you are at work or running errands
- Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened drinks. This will help with weight management and contribute to a healthier lifestyle
- When you go out to eat, choose water. You will save money and reduce caloric intake
- Adding a wedge or lime or lemon can help to improve the taste and help your drink more water than you normally do
Plastic Water Bottles
When taking about water habits, it is hard to avoid the environmental impact that plastic water bottles have. In fact, by utilizing a refillable water bottle, you decrease greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, filling, packaging, and transport of disposable water bottles.