Hydration Found to Reduce Stress Hormone Surges

Not drinking enough water may make the body more vulnerable to stress-related health problems, according to new research from Liverpool John Moores University. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, found that adults consuming less than 1.5 liters of fluid per day had cortisol levels more than 50% higher under stress compared with those meeting daily hydration recommendations. Elevated cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, is linked to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes and depression.

Researchers monitored hydration through blood and urine tests before subjecting participants to a standardized stress challenge. While both groups reported similar anxiety and heart rate responses, only the under-hydrated group showed a marked cortisol surge. Scientists suggest the link lies in vasopressin, a hormone that conserves water but also drives cortisol release. The findings highlight that drinking 2 liters daily for women and 2.5 liters for men may support better stress regulation and long-term health.

27-09-2025