Dehydration linked to Headaches
Dehydration in a study on a group of women in the US, demonstrated a higher rate of headaches and mood changes. In the study 25 healthy women were given exercise and diuretics (to increase urination) to induce a state of dehydration. Tests were then performed to evaluate concentration, memory and mood. An increase in perception of task difficulty and lower concenytration was demonstrated according to Lead researcher Lawrence E. Armstrong, PhD. He is a professor of environmental and exercise physiology at the University of Connecticut's Human Performance Laboratory in Storrs, Conn. According to Armstrong, the message is clear: "we should focus on hydration and continue to drink during meals and when we are not at meals" Subtle cues such as headache and fatigue may be your body's way of telling you to drink more. Dark urine may be another sign, feeling 'thirty' is often a late sign that you are dehydrated. Some researchers suggest 6 to 8 standard glasses of water per day is normal, but this may vary according to health, exercise and environmental factors. The findings are published in the 'Journal of Nutrition'
Armstrong L.E. Journal of Nutrition, 2102.
Lawrence E. Armstrong, PhD, professor, environmental and exercise physiology, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn.