- Author: Patti C. Wooten Swanson
Here's what I learned: Dehydration can negatively affect your mood.
So, if you're angry because the internet is down (again!), tired from too many long days at work, confused about how to fill out your income tax form, depressed about the outcome of an important meeting, or tense because of an approaching deadline...
Drink a glass of water!
In a study of student athletes, Tufts University researchers found that mild dehydration was associated with a negative mood, including fatigue and confusion.
Not an athlete? Read on...
Many people don't drink enough fluids
Researchers said that MANY people experience this same level of dehydration in their everyday, deadline-driven lives when they get too busy---or simply forget---to drink enough fluids.
In a bad mood? 
Even mild dehydration can affect your mood.
What to drink:
Water is the best, because it’s calorie free, inexpensive, and readily available.
However, there are some other liquids that count as “water” and contribute to adequate hydration:
- Low-fat or skim milk
- Fruit juice
- Vegetable juice
- Soup
- Gelatin
- Decaffeinated soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
Drinks that contains caffeine---soda, coffee and tea---or alcohol contribute to adequate hydration, but should not be a major part of your daily fluid intake.
Please excuse me now---I need a drink of water!
