A recent study suggests that people who do not drink enough water experience a stronger biological reaction to stress. Researchers found that individuals with low daily fluid intake released higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, even though they did not feel any thirstier than those who drank more. The findings indicate that keeping a water bottle nearby during stressful situations could benefit long-term health.
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The research, conducted at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), involved 32 participants—16 who drank less than 1.5 litres of water per day and 16 who regularly met recommended fluid guidelines. Participants were monitored over seven days using urine and blood tests before undergoing a laboratory stress test. This included a simulated job interview and a mental arithmetic challenge, designed to trigger a measurable stress response.
Results showed that cortisol levels were significantly higher in the group with low fluid intake, despite similar reported anxiety, heart rate, and other physical stress indicators between groups. Professor Neil Walsh explained that these heightened cortisol reactions could increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and depression. The study highlights that stress responses are not always obvious in subjective feelings but can be detected biologically.
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Prof Walsh noted that further research is required to determine whether increasing water intake can help reduce stress hormone responses to everyday “micro stressors” such as traffic jams or workplace presentations. Meeting recommended hydration guidelines could therefore be a simple, practical strategy to mitigate long-term health risks associated with elevated cortisol levels.
