A habit as simple as not drinking enough water may quietly intensify your body’s stress response. New research from Liverpool John Moores University found that people who regularly drink less than about 1.5 liters of water a day experience significantly higher spikes in cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone — during stressful situations compared with those who stay well hydrated.
In the study, participants completed a standardized stress test that included public speaking and mental arithmetic under pressure. While heart rate and anxiety levels were similar between groups, those with lower water intake showed cortisol levels that rose roughly 50% higher on average. Researchers believe the effect may be linked to vasopressin, a hormone that increases when the body is conserving water and can amplify signals in the brain’s stress system.
Because thirst is often a delayed signal, many people may experience mild dehydration without realizing it. Experts suggest watching urine color as a practical indicator of hydration — pale straw-colored urine generally signals adequate intake. Consistently drinking fluids throughout the day, rather than waiting until thirst appears, may help keep the body’s stress response more balanced.
SOURCE:
Iowa Park Leader, March 8, 2026