Mood & Food Series: Your Brain is Thirsty

For our final article in the Mood & Food series, we will be talking about hydration and its profound effects on mental health. While we often focus on food as a key player in how we feel, water is just as critical—if not more so. Dehydration can have serious consequences on both our physical and mental well-being, and many of us don’t even realize how much it impacts our daily mood and cognitive function.

When I was a teenager, I kept experiencing a strange, persistent pain in my side. It wasn’t sharp, but it was enough to be concerning. My parents took me to countless doctors, each one running tests, shrugging their shoulders, and ultimately telling me they had no idea what was wrong. It became a frustrating cycle—pain, doctor visits, no answers. And then, just as mysteriously as it had appeared, the pain went away.

I didn’t think about it again for years. But one day, as an adult, I found myself incredibly dehydrated after a long day in the heat. Out of nowhere, that same familiar pain struck my side. It was a strange moment of realization. Could dehydration have been the cause all along? I started paying attention, tracking the pain whenever it returned, and I noticed a clear pattern. Every single time I let myself get severely dehydrated, the pain would come back. What once seemed like an unexplainable medical mystery suddenly had a simple, but crucial answer—my body was screaming for water.

The effects of dehydration don’t just stop at random aches and pains. Water is essential for every single function in our bodies. When we don’t get enough, our organs start to shut down—slowly, but surely. And the brain, our control center, is no exception. Even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings. Chronic dehydration can contribute to anxiety, irritability, and even depressive symptoms.

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What Happens When We Stop Drinking Water?

Our bodies can only survive a few days without water, depending on factors like temperature, activity level, and individual health. When dehydration sets in, our blood thickens, making it harder for the heart to pump efficiently. This leads to a drop in blood pressure and reduced oxygen delivery to the brain and other organs. Without adequate hydration, kidney function declines, toxins build up, and cognitive function deteriorates. Severe dehydration can eventually lead to organ failure and even death. While we can go weeks without food, water is truly non-negotiable for survival.

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Easy Ways to Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water doesn’t have to be a struggle. Here are a few simple ways to make hydration a daily habit:

• Get a water bottle you love – For me, having an aesthetically pleasing water bottle that I can keep with me all day makes a huge difference. Especially if I know I’ll be outside or running errands where a drink isn’t readily available.
• Set reminders – If you tend to forget to drink water, setting alarms or using an app can help keep you on track.
• Flavor your water – If plain water doesn’t appeal to you, try infusing it with fruits, herbs, or a splash of lemon juice.
• Eat water-rich foods – Foods like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and lettuce contribute to your daily hydration.
• Pair water with habits – Drinking a glass of water when you wake up, before meals, or after bathroom breaks can help you build a routine.

So the next time you feel off, ask yourself—have you had enough water today?

With love & light,
Jessica ♡