{"id":20288,"date":"2025-09-29T11:00:42","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T15:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/?p=20288"},"modified":"2025-09-29T11:00:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T15:00:42","slug":"people-who-drink-less-than-1-5-liters-of-fluids-a-day-are-risking-their-long-term-health-a-new-study-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/health\/people-who-drink-less-than-1-5-liters-of-fluids-a-day-are-risking-their-long-term-health-a-new-study-says-20288\/","title":{"rendered":"People who drink less than 1.5 liters of fluids a day are risking their long-term health, a new study says"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new study shows that people who consume under 1.5 liters of fluids a day<\/strong><\/a> trigger higher levels of cortisol<\/strong>, the hormone that spikes when we’re under stress<\/strong><\/a>. Elevated cortisol is linked to serious conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and depression.<\/p>\n

Researchers from Liverpool John Moores University found that hydration habits play a big role in stress responses<\/strong><\/a>. The study compared people with low fluid intake to those who met daily recommendations. The results point to dehydration as a hidden risk factor for long-term health.<\/p>\n

Drinking less fluids and stress: what the study found<\/h2>\n

The researchers followed two groups of healthy young adults. One group drank less than 1.5 liters of fluid a day, while the other group met recommended amounts\u2014around 2 liters for women and 2.5 liters for men<\/strong>. Both groups were balanced for factors like sleep and personality traits that can influence stress.<\/p>\n

Participants continued their usual drinking habits for a week, while their hydration levels were tracked<\/strong> through blood and urine tests. They then completed the Trier Social Stress Test<\/strong>, which simulates real-world pressure with a timed mental math task and a mock interview.<\/p>\n

Both groups reported similar feelings of anxiety and showed the same rise in heart rate, but the low-fluid group had a strikingly different cortisol response. Their stress hormone levels rose more than 50% higher than the well-hydrated group<\/strong>. Researchers noted that this exaggerated cortisol reactivity is strongly associated with long-term health problems.<\/p>\n

The body’s stress response appears to be influenced by vasopressin, a hormone that regulates water balance. When hydration<\/strong><\/a> is low, vasopressin rises, pushing the kidneys to conserve water. But it also acts on the brain’s stress center, leading to more cortisol release<\/strong>. Over time, this pattern may impact cardiovascular and metabolic health.<\/p>\n

How to drink more throughout the day<\/h2>\n

The findings highlight the importance of making hydration part of your daily routine, especially if you have a demanding schedule or face frequent stress. Some simple changes can help you stay on track:<\/p>\n