Khaberni - Many people resort to coffee or energy drinks when they feel tired, but plain water can give you a natural boost of energy, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola, a certified family physician and author of Your Guide to Cellular Health.
Even mild dehydration – losing just 1% to 2% of body weight – can slow blood flow and reduce oxygen delivery to the brain and muscles, leading to physical and mental fatigue. Dehydration also affects neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood, focus, and motivation, potentially making you feel sluggish or upset before you even realize you are thirsty.
Mercola said: "Drinking water helps restore blood volume, support neurotransmitter function, and improve oxygen delivery. The result is a noticeable increase in energy levels, not just a placebo effect."
Hydration also affects overall health. When dehydrated, the body secretes the hormone vasopressin, which signals the kidneys to conserve water, but it also stimulates the stress hormone cortisol. This means that dehydration can increase the body's stress response even without you feeling anxious. Drinking sufficient water helps reduce these nerve signals, supporting a stable and calm mood. Studies suggest that people who drink less than 1.5 liters of water per day experience a greater increase in cortisol levels during stressful situations compared to well-hydrated individuals.
Alongside boosting energy and reducing stress, water improves brain performance by restoring blood flow and balancing neurotransmitters; reducing headaches, mental fog, irritation, and confusion. Even if you don't feel an immediate increase in energy, hydration improves the functioning of the nervous system, making the body less stressed and fatigued.
On a cellular level, water is essential for metabolic reactions that produce energy. When water is scarce, these processes slow down, and performing everyday tasks becomes more exhausting.
In summary, staying hydrated is not just about quenching thirst. Drinking enough water restores mental clarity, improves mood, reduces stress, and provides a tangible sense of activity and energy.
