In an interview with the Nigerian magazine Pulse, general practitioner Dr. Peter Atanghoho advised that drinking sufficient amounts of water daily helps prevent depression.
Dr. Atanghoho, who is the CEO of TeleMed Online Clinic in Nigeria, mentioned that not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, a condition that can affect or damage the human brain. He described dehydration as the loss of body fluids due to illness, sweating, or not consuming enough water, explaining that insufficient water intake can cause brain cells to suffer enough to produce symptoms of poor mood.
He emphasized that drinking water helps prevent depression, stating: "Dehydration stresses your body and slows down the energy production process in the brain, while also reducing the production of the happiness hormone known as serotonin in the brain, which is a key hormone that significantly affects your mood. Therefore, one way to avoid depression is to drink an adequate amount of water daily."
Additionally, Dr. Atanghoho pointed out factors such as hot weather, excessive activity, low water intake, excessive sweating, and some medications like furosemide as contributing to dehydration and, consequently, depressive disorders. He noted that dehydration is serious as it can harm internal organs such as the kidneys, skin, and even the heart.
For individuals without kidney problems, drinking three liters of water a day is considered good for their health. However, if you have kidney issues or any other health concerns that may require reducing your daily water intake, it is advisable to consult a specialist. In fact, the necessary amount of drinking water for maintaining good health varies from person to person, depending on factors such as physical activity level, age, health, and environmental conditions.
