The new study included 16 people who drank less than 1.5 liters of water daily, along with 16 people who regularly adhered to the recommended daily guidelines for fluid intake. The study found that people who do not drink enough water have a stronger biological response to stress. It noted that those accustomed to drinking less release higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, even though they do not feel thirstier than those who drink more.
However, people may need to drink more when it’s hot, if they are very active, recovering from illness, or if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The study concluded that during periods of stress, staying hydrated can be beneficial for long-term health.
