LONDON: People who do not drink enough water have a stronger biological response to stress, according to a study.
Researchers found those who habitually drink less release greater levels of the stress hormone cortisol, despite not feeling any thirstier than people who drink more.
Keeping a water bottle nearby during stressful periods could be beneficial for long-term health, researchers suggest.
The study, led by experts at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), included 16 people who drank under 1.5 litres of water a day, along with 16 people who regularly met daily recommended guidelines for fluid intake.
Researchers used the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines, which recommends men should drink 2.5 litres of water a day, while women should drink two litres.
In the UK, the Eatwell Guide suggests adults should drink between six and eight cups of fluid a day, which is roughly 1.5 to two litres. However, people may need to drink more when it is hot, if they are very active, if they are recovering from an illness, or if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Researchers monitored hydration in both groups over seven days using urine and blood samples, after which they were invited into the lab for a stress test.
The test involved an impromptu job interview, for which each individual was given 10 minutes to prepare.
After that time, they were invited into another room where a fake camera was set up and asked to do the interview to a panel of three people dressed in white coats. Following the fake interview, individuals were then asked to do a mental arithmetic challenge which involved subtracting numbers as fast as they could.
Professor Neil Walsh, of the LJMU School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, described the test as “really flustering.”
Researchers collected saliva samples from the group before and after the stress test to measure cortisol levels.
Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and also plays a role in immune response, metabolism and blood pressure. — dpa
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