Introduction to Stress Management
Your easy, stress-free day may be going down the toilet. New research has found that the color of your pee could be a clue about how well your body will deal with stress today — but the good news is, it’s a super easy problem to fix. The study’s authors say the simple factor is an “underappreciated ally in stress management.”
Understanding the Connection Between Urine Color and Dehydration
If your pee is dark, it’s a sign you’re dehydrated — and if you’re dehydrated, your body is probably producing more cortisol, the stress hormone. Dragana Gordic – stock.adobe.com
Take a look at the bowl: If your urine is a darker color, it’s a telltale sign that your body is dehydrated. Not properly hydrating can cause a bunch of physical symptoms, including fatigue, headaches and blurred vision — and it can also impact your hormones.
The Impact of Dehydration on Cortisol Levels
In a study published this month in the Journal of Applied Physiology, scientists found that people who drank less than 1.5 liters (or 6.34 cups) of water a day had dramatically higher levels cortisol levels than those who drank just above the recommended amount (about two liters for women and 2.5 liters for men). That’s not great. Cortisol, the stress hormone, makes changes to the way your body functions when you face stress. If your stress is caused by real life-or-death threats, those changes are important — but if you’re just feeling the strain of a work deadline, the side effects of cortisol can make you feel worse.
Long-Term Effects of Excessive Cortisol
And too much cortisol in the longterm can lead to anxiety, depression, problems with memory and focus, stomach issues, heart disease including heart attack and stroke, sleep issues and weight gain. So why does dehydration make you produce more cortisol? Writing for The Conversation, study authors Daniel Kashi and Neil Walsh explained that it comes down to another hormone called vasopressin, which your brain puts out when you’re dehydrated.
The Role of Vasopressin in Dehydration and Stress Response
Drinking more water won’t eliminate stress, but it can help you be better equipped to handle it. stokkete – stock.adobe.com
To deal with the dehydration, vasopressin tells your kidneys to hold onto water — but it also gets involves in how your brain responds to stress, and may lead to more cortisol being released.
Previous Research on Dehydration and Mood
This is far from the first study to link dehydration to people’s moods. One at a university in 2024 found that the most-anxious students were also the most dehydrated. Another from 2014 showed that participants felt happier when they drank more water. “Mood is directly impacted by hydration,” Benjamin Nevares, a certified personal trainer and the owner of I.E. Health, previously told The Post. “So, if you start feeling more upset, it’s a good idea to drink some water.”
Conclusion
That’s the advice from Kashi and Walsh too — and they point out it’s a pretty cheap and easy way to make a difference. “In societies where chronic stress is increasingly recognized as a public health crisis, hydration emerges as a surprisingly accessible intervention,” they said. “Although proper hydration won’t eliminate life’s pressures, it might help ensure your body is better equipped to handle them. In a world where stress feels inevitable, that physiological advantage could prove more valuable than we’ve previously recognized.
FAQs
Q: How does dehydration affect cortisol levels?
A: Dehydration can lead to increased cortisol levels, as the body produces more cortisol in response to dehydration.
Q: What is the recommended daily water intake?
A: The recommended daily water intake is about two liters for women and 2.5 liters for men.
Q: Can drinking water help reduce stress?
A: Drinking water can help reduce stress by reducing cortisol levels and improving mood.
Q: What are the long-term effects of excessive cortisol?
A: The long-term effects of excessive cortisol can include anxiety, depression, problems with memory and focus, stomach issues, heart disease, sleep issues, and weight gain.
Q: How can I tell if I am dehydrated?
A: You can tell if you are dehydrated by the color of your urine. If your urine is dark, it’s a sign that you are dehydrated.
