Dehydration can alter mood and ability to think
A recent study has suggested that mild dehydration can have an adverse effect on a person’s energy level, mood and ability to think and perform mental tasks.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut asked a group of dehydrated subjects to do a series of tests on concentration, reasoning, memory, learning and vigilance. The results were then compared with those of another group who were not dehydrated.
The findings showed that male subjects experienced fatigue and anxiety and had difficulty doing mental tasks which required vigilance, and working memory.
Female subjects did not experience substantive reduction in cognitive ability but suffered from headaches, fatigue, and had difficulty concentrating.
“Even mild dehydration - 1.5 per cent loss in normal water volume in the body - that can occur in the course of our ordinary daily activities can degrade how we are feeling, especially for women, who are more susceptible to the adverse effects of low levels of dehydration,” said co-author Harris Lieberman.
The study also showed that the adverse effect of dehydration is the same whether a person just walked for 40 minutes on a treadmill or has been sitting at rest.
Scientists emphasized that dehydration can affect all people in all conditions and it is important to stay properly hydrated.
Researchers believe the study is valuable as it demonstrates the importance of drinking enough water -the recommended amount of two liters a day- in order to stay focused and not to lose temper.
Source: presstv.ir
